Fierce sectarian clashes in north Lebanon

TRIPOLI, Lebanon (AFP) - - Fierce sectarian clashes resumed on Monday in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli, prompting civilians to flee or hide in underground shelters, a security official told AFP.

At least two people were wounded as fighters in the densely populated Bab al-Tebbaneh and Jabal Mohsen districts traded heavy machine-gun fire and rocket-propelled grenades.

Several homes as well as a gas station were on fire as the army surrounded the area in a bid to contain the violence.

On Sunday at least four people were killed and 33 wounded when the fighting erupted, pitting Sunni supporters of the ruling majority against Alawites loyal to the Hezbollah-led opposition. One of those wounded died on Monday, bringing the death toll to five.

The violence comes amid stalled efforts by Prime Minister Fuad Siniora to form a government of national unity following a deal last month that ended an 18-month political crisis that brought the country close to civil war.

Fears have mounted in recent days that the security situation could deteriorate with clashes erupting in various parts of the country between supporters of the Western-backed majority and the opposition backed by Syria and Iran.

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