Clashes intensify in Lebanon's Tripoli

At least eight people killed as clashes between supporters and opponents of Syrian government continues.

The fighting in Syria has spilled over into Tripoli in neighbouring Lebanon. Tension has been rising between Tripoli's Sunnis, who support the Syrian opposition against the government of President Bashar al-Assad, and supporters of the Syrian government including Tripoli’s Alawite community that Assad belongs to. The clashes has killed at least eight people and injured many more. The arrest of Shadi Almawlawi, a young Sunni sheikh, triggered the armed clashes. His supporters burnt tyres, blocked the city's main roads and deployed armed men on the streets. Supporters of the Syrian opposition say the Lebanese government is already taking sides by pursuing those who are helping the Syrian fighters, especially Salafist and other groups. Fighting that started on Sunday continued into Monday, with pressure mounting on the Lebanese army to stop the violence