Death toll from clashes in Lebanon’s Tripoli reaches 14

The death toll from recent clashes between supporters and opponents of the Syrian government in the Lebanese city of Tripoli has risen to 14.

A Lebanese security source said “very violent fighting took place last night” that killed six people. The number brought the death toll to 14.

The source stated that 40 people were also injured. “The clashes and shelling affected several areas of the city, including the centre.”

The clashes erupted between the two groups in two major districts of Bab al-Tibbaneh and Jabal Mohsen in Lebanon’s second largest city on May 19. More than 100 others have also been wounded.

Reports say two Lebanese soldiers were among the dead.

The Lebanese army intervened to break up the clashes on May 21.

Many homes have been damaged due to the unrest in the two neighborhoods.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati issued a statement on Wednesday saying that the army had full authority to take the necessary measures to put an end to the clashes.

The violence escalated after ceasefire talks between the two sides failed.

Lebanese President Michel Suleiman also held a high-level meeting on May 21 to discuss the security situation in Tripoli, which has been the scene of fierce clashes between the two groups since the beginning of the turmoil in Syria in March 2011.