LEBANON: Lebanese army clashes with Islamist militants in the outskirts of Sidon city.

The Lebanese army clashed with Sunni Islamist militants near the largest Palestinian refugee camp Ein AlHilweh on the outskirts of the southern city of Sidon. A small group of Sunni militants, calling itself Jund al Sham (Soldiers of the Levant) has been clashing with the Lebanese army in recent weeks, ever since a decision was taken by the Lebanese government to operate near the largest Palestinian refugee camp Ein AlHilweh on the outskirts of the southern city of Sidon The group emerged on the scene in the past few years. The Lebanese army and government was following a policy of avoiding travel to the area in which the extremist group exist but have in recent weeks taken the decision to enter the area and resume control and authority over what has become a troubled part of Lebanon. The Lebanese army were patrolling near the Palestinian refugee camp using armoured vehicles, searching the area and residents on Thursday (January 25) when clashes erupted between them and Jund al Sham members, two civilians were reportedly injured. An unidentified member of Jund al Sham told reporters that the area was under their control. "In twelve hours if they don't leave this area which is ours ... ok without a statement, ... I speak in the name of the neighbourhood, this is our area," he said. The clashes come on a day in which Lebanese Prime Minister, Fouad Siniora, is in Paris at a fund-raising conference (Paris 3) designed to raise money in order to rebuild after last September's war and assist in Lebanon's current economical crisis.

ITN Source | January 25, 2007

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