Normal Life Returns in Tripoli as Army Enters Tense Areas for 1st Time
Life on Monday began to return to normal in the northern city of Tripoli, which witnessed a week of deadly clashes between gunmen from rival neighborhoods, after the Lebanese Army deployed in the tense areas for the first time.
The Army, which was given on Sunday the political green light to implement a security plan, began to restore law and order in the city by deploying in the neighborhood of Jabal Mohsen and entering Bab al-Tabbaneh for the first time on Monday morning.
It conducted patrols in Syria Street, which separates the warring neighborhoods, and in the main road that links Tripoli to the northern district of Akkar.
The Army also set up checkpoints as gunmen began to withdraw from the streets on Sunday when the military was empowered by the Higher Defense Council to beef up security in Tripoli.
The Army Command reiterated its request from all citizens to abide by the instructions of the armed forces and put the interest of Tripoli before anything else.
It also warned in a communique that the Army will “firmly confront those who tamper with security no matter to which party they belong to by arresting them and handing them over to the competent judiciary.”
An Nahar newspaper said that the meeting of the HDC was aimed at giving the Army a new push along with security forces to take decisive measures against fighters.
It quoted sources as saying that President Michel Suleiman, who chaired the meeting at Baabda palace, informed the Council that he would hold a series of phone conversations with Tripoli officials, including lawmakers, who have influence on the fighters.
Prime Minister Najib Miqati also told An Nahar that agreement was reached to implement a new security plan to end the bloodshed. He did not give further details.
On Monday, cars drove through the roads of the tense areas and residents began opening their shops and companies. But schools remained shut.
Tripoli has been the scene of frequent sectarian clashes between the Alawite sect of Syrian President Bashar Assad and Sunnis.
The gunbattles, which broke out over reports that Lebanese men were killed after entering Syria to fight alongside the rebel Free Syrian Army, have left scores of people dead and injured.
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