Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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May 20, 2007

Security Forces, Gunmen Clash in Northern Lebanon, at Least 30 Dead
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=178BFFD:A6F02AD83191E160664423B4DC04C8D79574F7DCC14957C0 Clash takes place
in Tripoli, Palestinian refugee camp

Lebanese security officials say at least 30 people were killed in
fighting Sunday between troops and Islamic militants in the northern
part of the country.

The fighting erupted with Fatah al-Islam in the city of Tripoli and
the adjacent Palestinian refugee camp Nahr al-Bared.  Militants also
attacked an army patrol to the south.

Security officials say 13 soldiers and 17 militants were killed. 
There were also reports that at least six civilians were killed inside
the camp.

By long-standing agreement, Lebanese police and soldiers do not enter
Palestinian refugee camps.

After the fighting, Syria closed two border crossings with Lebanon
because of security concerns.

Authorities say the fighting began when security forces tried to
detain suspects in a bank robbery outside the refugee camp.

Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.


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