Lebanon clashes leave up to two dead

Two people were killed in clashes between government loyalists and opposition supporters in eastern Lebanon overnight, security…

Two people were killed in clashes between government loyalists and opposition supporters in eastern Lebanon overnight, security sources and witnesses said.

Four people were wounded in the violence, which reached its peak at dawn in the Saadnayel-Taalbaya villages in the eastern Bekaa valley.

Houses and shops were also destroyed in the clashes in which heavy guns and rocket propelled grenades were used. Witnesses said the Lebanese army had deployed in the area.

Last month Lebanon ended its 18-month political crisis with the Western-backed coalition and the Hezbollah-led opposition reaching a Qatari-mediated accord. The conflict had led to a violent showdown between the two sides.

Since then there have been frequent minor security incidents between supporters of the opposing factions.

Opens in new window ]

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter