Fierce Fighting and Heavy Street Fights Leaves 9 Soldiers Dead

BEIRUT June 3, 2007 2:50pm GMT/10:50am EDT - For the third day, fierce fighting is still going on between the Lebanese army and Fatah Islam militia, in what seems the determination of the army to eliminate Fatah Islam. The army is advancing slowly sending back the militia deeper inside the camp and to the south. The army is facing strong resistance, nevertheless, they are advancing and they have secured the eastern entrance of the camp. The army is trying to take control of the post "SAMED", and if he does, he will have control of half of the northern side of the camp.

Heavy artillery shelling at the south western side of the camp continues, white and black smokes can be seen over the camp. Reports are coming of fierce street fighting between the army and the militia.

The camp consists of two sections; the old camp and the new camp. The army has already penetrated the new camp, and is approaching the old camp. The total size of the camp is only few kilometers, and about 10,000 civilians are still inside the camp.

According to last casualty count, the army said eight soldiers and an officer are dead, while 30 are injured.