Lebanese army resumes camp shelling
Five soldiers killed as army aims to weaken Fatah al-Islam’s grip on Nahr al-Bared.
At least 118 people, including 50 soldiers and 38 fighters, have been killed since the fighting began, making it Lebanon’s worst internal violence since the civil war from 1975-1990.
The fighting began on May 20 when Fatah al-Islam fighters attacked army units deployed around Nahr al-Bared after one of their hideouts in a nearby city was stormed.
But Lebanese sources said the Islamic Action Front, which includes Sunni politicians and clerics, and a grouping of Palestinian clerics, would continue efforts to find a solution.
New army tactic
The Lebanese army command told Al Jazeera that Saturday’s intensive shelling is aimed at tightening its grip around posts and hideouts of Fatah al-Islam.
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Hashem Ahelbarra, Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Tripoli, said the military was targeting
Sami district, thought to be the main stronghold of Fatah al-Islam.
Lebanon is already struggling with a seven-month-old political crisis, and there are fears that fighting could spread.
The past week has seen deadly clashes at another refugee camp and five bomb blasts in civilian areas in and near Beirut.
Fouad Siniora, the Lebanese prime minister, told the French television station TV5 on Friday that the army was holding back to preserve civilian lives.
“That’s why this battle is taking longer, and it’s worth pointing out that these terrorists are well-equipped and well-trained and persistent.”