Lebanese army fights Al Qaeda linked militants in Tripoli
There has been a gun battle at the Nahr Al Bared Palestinian refugee camp in Tripoli - civilians and militants were killed.
It happened after Fateh Al Islam militants attacked an army post on the edge of the camp.
The chaos began when police tried to raid a Tripoli house (it is not clear whether this was inside the camp or not - if it was inside, it would've been highly controversial because troops do not enter the camp under a 38 year old agreement).
The Fateh Al Islam men tried to resist arrest and there was a gun battle which quickly spread to neighbouring streets.
Fateh Al Islam is allegedly linked to Al Qaeda, and has battled pro-Syrian groups. Although, the Lebanese government made an embarrasing mistake a few months ago when they said Fateh Al Islam was backed by the Syrian government (in fact Fateh Al Islam is a breakaway group from Fateh Al Intifada - Intifada is pro-Syria, and some members didn't like that, so they set up their own group called Islam).
They also have connections with Jund Ash Sham, which has carried out terrorist attacks inside Syria.
Labels: Lebanon
Interesting, why is the Lebanese government moving against them now, clearly these have been a problem for quite some time. Any more background on where they are funded from?
Posted by
Maysaloon |
6:15 pm
Wassim,
It seems like these groups are coming back to bite the Hariri government.
Seymour Hersh here accused the Siniora government of funding Al Qaeda linked groups.
We also know that this group is particularly anti-Syrian.
Another thing that comes into my mind is claims of Hariri funding of Tripoli based extremists - I can't back this up though.
Sasa.
Posted by
sasa |
6:19 pm
they are funded by syria, and are getting orders from the syrian intelligence.
Posted by
Anonymous |
7:19 am