Despite Syrian Warnings, Rival Militias Battle for 11th Day in Slums of Beirut
Rival Shia Muslim militias battled with tanks, artillery, rockets and mortars in the streets of Beirut’s southern slums Monday, ignoring a Syrian warning to withdraw.
Police said the pro-Iranian Hezbollah (Party of God) and the Syrian-backed Amal militias fought through the day in the enclave where 18 foreign hostages, including nine Americans, are believed held by pro-Iranian extremists.
Amal, which had been almost driven out of the slums in 11 days of savage combat, staged a counterattack that forced Hezbollah to retreat in the sprawling Chiyah neighborhood.
Police said 14 people were killed and 120 wounded in fighting Sunday and Monday, raising the toll to 225 dead since May 6.
The Syrians began massing their forces two days ago, after the collapse of several truce accords, mediated by Syria and Iran.
On Sunday, Syria’s military intelligence chief, Brig. Gen. Ghazi Kenaan, ordered the militias to lay down their arms, warning: “Our forces will shoot without hesitation at any gunman.”
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