Renewed fighting erupts in crisis-torn Lebanon

BEIRUT (AFP) — Fierce fighting erupted in northern Lebanon on Monday, further exacerbating tensions after days of deadly sectarian battles that have driven the nation to the brink of full-blown civil war.

At least one man was killed in clashes between supporters of the Western-backed government and militants loyal to the Shiite Hezbollah-led opposition in the port city of Tripoli, a security official said.

By late afternoon the fighting had died down as the army moved in, appealing to militants to get off the streets.

The army said it will use force if necessary from Tuesday to disarm gunmen and restore law and order after six days of fighting left at least 61 people dead and nearly 200 wounded.

It was the worst internal unrest since the 1975-1990 civil war and dramatically raised the stakes in a protracted political crisis.