Lebanese ruling coalition denounces Hezbollah 'coup'

Beirut: The anti-Syria ruling coalition has denounced Hezbollah's "armed and bloody coup", saying it was aimed at increasing Iran and Syria's influence over Lebanon.

The United States pointed to Hezbollah's links with Iran and Syria and said it was discussing counter-measures with other world powers.

"The linkages that we know exist, and are ongoing, between Hezbollah and Syria and Iran, are starting to manifest themselves in the current crisis," said a US State Department spokesman.

At least 18 people have been killed and 38 wounded in three days of clashes between pro-government gunmen and fighters loyal to Hezbollah.

Syria said the issue was an internal Lebanese affair, while Iran blamed "the adventurist interferences" of the United States and Israel for the violence.

A senior opposition source said Hezbollah and its allies would maintain roadblocks, including barricades on routes to the airport, until there is a full resolution of the crisis.