By NNN-Petra,
Beirut : Fighting broke out Monday morning between pro- and anti-government supporters in Lebanon’s second largest city, Tripoli.
Armed clashes with automatic machine guns and rocket attacks centred in Jabal Mohsen killing a number of people and 42 were wounded, mostly civilians.
Meanwhile, rival political groups, mainly the March 14 Forces and Hezbollah, traded accusations with each party blaming the other for sparking the armed conflict.
Security concerns have mounted in Lebanon in the face of sporadic attacks on army posts and clashes between opponents and supporters of the ruling majority.
A series of meeting were held Sunday night sponsored by the Mufti of Tripoli and northern Lebanon Malek Al Sha’ar in a bid to prevent further escalation.
It was agreed during the meeting to task the military with responsibility of preserving security and restoring order.
The meetings however failed to stop the fighting which went on more violently during Sunday night.