Lebanon clashes toll rises to 18

The toll in the continuing clashes in north Lebanon's port city of Tripoli rose to 18 with more than 100 others injured, including 22 soldiers of the Lebanese army.

Four people were killed and eight others were injured overnight and in the early morning hours of Friday in the clashes that continued for the ninth consecutive day between the Sunni Bab el-Tebbaneh neighbourhood and the rival Alawite Jabal Mohsen, a security source told Xinhua.

Heavy clashes resumed on the traditional front lines between the two rival neighbourhoods and rocket-propelled grenades and mortar shells were used, while the Lebanese army deployed in the city responded to the source of fire, he added.

An army patrol was also targeted, according to a statement by the army guidance directorate, without causing any injuries but an army vehicle was badly damaged.