2 Dead, 12 Hurt after Tripoli Figures Agree on 'Miqati-Backed' Ceasefire
The Islamic National Gathering agreed on Wednesday to a ceasefire in the clashes of the northern city of Tripoli that came into effect as of 5:30 p.m., but the fragile truce was shaken by intermittent gunfire that left two people dead and more than 10 wounded.
The initiative was supported by Prime Minister Najib Miqati and granted the army the right to respond to the sources of gunfire.
MTV television reported that the army has since deployed heavily in Bab al-Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen neighborhoods as soon as the ceasefire took effect at 5:30 p.m.
LBCI television later reported that sniper operations were ongoing in the rival neighborhoods despite the ceasefire.
State-run National News Agency said Mohieddine Mahmoud, 75, died of wounds sustained in the clashes in Jabal Mohsen.
Media reports quoted Arab Democratic Party media officer Abdul Latif Saleh as saying that "a woman from the Shahine family was killed by a gunshot."
LBCI said 12 people were wounded after 7:00 p.m. despite the declared ceasefire.
MP Mohammed Kabbara announced after the Tripoli meeting that the army was requested to redeploy in the areas that have witnessed clashes in Tripoli and respond to any gunfire.
Clashes between the rival neighborhoods of Bab al-Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen erupted on Monday over a personal dispute.
At least nine people have been killed and 80 wounded in the ongoing clashes.
Kabbara revealed that the gatherers were in contact with Miqati during the meeting, saying that he had voiced his support and praise for the ceasefire.
The initiative was agreed upon by all the Bab al-Tabbaneh factions, revealed the MP.
“The army and security forces are our one guarantee for security because they are obligated to protect the people and preserve stability,” he noted.
An explosion was heard as soon as the MP finished reading the statement to the media.
Miqati later issued a statement stressing the role of the army and security forces in controlling the situation in Tripoli.
He held a series of security meetings at the Grand Serail aimed at addressing the situation in the northern city, adding that all violators of security must be arrested.
The premier later received a telephone call from Kabbara informing him of the results of the Tripoli meeting.
Source: Naharnet
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