Five killed as rival Lebanese factions clash in Tripoli

Tripoli : At least five people were killed on Friday in heavy clashes between rival sectarian factions in Lebanon's northern city of Tripoli, medical sources said.

Another 40 were wounded by the fighting between gunmen from the Sunni Bab Tibbaneh and the Alawite Jabal Mohsen districts of Tripoli.

Gunmen exchanged machinegun and grenade fire, forcing residents to flee.

Sectarian violence linked to Lebanon's political troubles has killed at least 18 people in the past two months in the predominantly Sunni city.

A military source said Friday's casualties included a soldier who was seriously wounded.