16 wounded in gunfight between Lebanon rivals

Beirut: Security officials say at least 16 people have been wounded, two seriously, in a gunfight in downtown Beirut between Hezbollah supporters and government loyalists.

Officials say the two sides traded insults before the shooting on Monday night as Hezbollah supporters drove by waving flags and saluting Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah shortly after he finished giving a speech.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to talk to the media.

The Corniche Mazraa where the shooting took place was the scene of sectarian fighting earlier this month.

Officials say the army deployed in the area after the shooting to prevent further clashes.