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Hezbollah gains control of western Beirut


Published: May 9, 2008 at 11:45 AM
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BEIRUT, Lebanon, May 9 (UPI) -- Syrian Social Nationalist Party units were seen Friday entering Beirut to support Hezbollah's occupation of the city's western districts.

The SSNP is part of the pro-Syrian bloc, along with Amal and Hezbollah, which have been fighting pro-government forces in Beirut for three days.

Hezbollah and other Shiite fighters seized control of most of Sunni West Beirut, DEBKAfile.com reported, and shut down Lebanon's port, essentially closed the airport and blocked major highways.

At least 11 people died.

Meanwhile, Lebanese army Gen. Michel Suleiman wouldn't declare a state of emergency for the city, defying Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, DEBKAFile.com reported. The general said if an emergency were declared, he would order troops to return to barracks.

The army has had limited involvement, the military intelligence Web site said. Soldiers rescued majority leader Saad Hariri and Druze leader Walid Jumblatt when Shiite forces stormed their mansions but the invading troops were allowed to remain. The Lebanese army also took over the pro-government Future TV station and newspaper owned by Hariri after their facilities were attacked, agreeing to keep the station off the air.

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said the only way to end the fighting was for the government to reverse its decisions to close Hezbollah's telecommunications network and restore Hezbollah supporters to positions at Beirut airport.

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CLASHES HEZBOLLAH
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah speaks via live video from his hiding place, as clashes between pro-government forces and the Hezbollah-led opposition continue throughout Lebanon for a second day, leaving many parts of Beirut and other towns deserted on May 8, 2008. A general labor strike that was called for yesterday has expanded into armed confrontation between the two groups. (UPI Photo)
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