Lebanese PM calls for stopping violence in Tripoli

Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam on Friday called on relevant authorities to take all necessary measures to halt the ongoing violence and fighting in the northern city of Tripoli.

Salam, in a press release, urged for firm action to put an end “to the drastic deterioration of conditions in Tripoli,” warning the continuous violence might lead to dire consequences to the country.

“Top responsibility to stop the blood-letting should be shouldered by the State and its official apparatuses, which must deal with maximum firmness against those tampering with the city security,” Salam said.

At least five people have been killed and 50 others suffered injuries in the sporadic fighting between local militiamen in Tripoli since Monday, according to the official media on Friday.

The warring gunmen, entrenched in the districts of Bab Al-Tebbaneh and Baal Mohsen, are battling with rockets, artillery and automatic guns.

Lebanese Army troops positioned in the city targeted sources of fire and staged patrols in a bid to quell the violence, while civilians fled the hot spots to safer areas.