The latest explosion of violence in Lebanon has now killed more than 80 people, and produced the worst crisis since the 15-year civil war ended in 1990. Pro-Syrian Hizbollah forces continued to attack fighters loyal to the Western-leaning government, with territory gained then handed over to the largely-neutral Lebanese army.

The anti-Syrian Christian leader Amin Gemayel demanded an end to the fighting.

“Before any peace talks, we insist on a public pledge from Hizbollah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, that weapons will not be used against the Lebanese people again,” he said.

Beirut was largely calm today, but renewed fighting erupted in the northern port of Tripoli. Sunni government supporters battled Shi’ite Hizbollah fighters for control, leaving at least six people dead.
Hizbollah has swept through Beirut and into the mountains. In the Bekaa Valley, refugees were again fleeing, caught up in the latest chapter of Lebanon’s violent struggle for power.

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