Arab Democratic Party Urges Calm as Tripoli Fighting Leaves 1 Dead, Dozens Hurt

One person was killed and dozens were wounded in fierce clashes in the northern city of Tripoli on Thursday as the Arab Democratic Party, the main armed and political force in Jabal Mohsen, asked residents to show calm and “leave things to the army.”

“Heavy clashes are still ongoing on all the fighting frontiers in Tripoli, especially Souk al-Qameh, al-Omari Street, Haret al-Barraniyeh, al-Shaarani, al-Nasseri Mosque, Syria Street, Baal al-Darawish, al-Mallouleh, al-Mankoubin, al-Riva and Jabal Mohsen,” state-run National News Agency reported in the evening.

“Dozens of rocket-propelled grenades were fired at these frontiers and the sounds of explosions echoed across the city amid clashes with light- and medium-caliber weapons,” NNA said.

Jabal Mohsen resident Mahmoud Kanjou was killed during clashes between the district and the neighboring areas of Bab al-Tabbaneh and al-Baqqar, the agency had reported in the afternoon.

The clashes also left dozens of people wounded, NNA said, identifying some of them as Abdo Harrouq, Walid al-Shami, Yahia al-Sour, Osama al-Muhtadi and Amal al-Ajam.

Army forces were shooting back at the gunmen with the appropriate weapons, the agency noted.

Meanwhile, Arab Democratic Party spokesman Abdul Latif Saleh announced that “the party has asked the victims' families in Jabal Mohsen to cease fire, show restraint and allow the Lebanese Army to address the situation.”

“The party will hold a meeting with the victims' families to follow up on the issue,” Saleh added.

The current round of clashes in Tripoli had erupted a week ago after the shooting death of a resident from Jabal Mohsen.

Prime Minister Tammam Salam announced on Tuesday that a comprehensive security plan will be proposed for Tripoli, while rejecting the lawlessness in the city.