LOC10:53
07:53 GMT
BEIRUT, June 12 (KUNA) -- Three Lebanese Army soldiers lost their lives in
latest fighting pitting the regulars against gunmen of Fatah Al-Islam militia
in the northern Palestinian refugee camp of Nahr Al-Bared.
The army said in a statement, released on Tuesday, the three soldiers were
killed "while they were fulfilling their military duties in preserving
security and stability in the northern region," alluding to the ongoing army
operation against the gunmen, entrenched among shell-poked cement buildings in
the seaside region.
Fighting continued between the two sides today, with the two sides trading
automatic medium and small gunfire.
The clashes broke out on the 20th of last month when the militiamen robbed
a bank in northern Lebanon and attacked army bases, killing mare than 20
soldiers. Since flare-up of the fighting, more than 100 people have been
killed.
The faction entrenched in the shanty town, home for thousands of
Palestinian refugees, is described by some media organizations as a
Qaeda-inspired group, said to comprise militants from various Arab countries.
Its chief is known as Shaker Al-Absi, said to be a Jordanian of Palestinian
origin. (end)
oh.rk
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