Lebanese Army Shells Refugee Camp Held by Militants
Smoke and fire rise from the Nahr al-Bared refugee camp in northern Lebanon today.
Joseph Barrak/AFP/Getty Images
Lebanese army troops shelled the Nahr al-Bared refugee camp in northern Lebanon today. The Associated Press reports two soldiers were killed during the shelling of the camp, which is held by members of the al-Qaida-inspired Fatah al-Islam militant group.
Witnesses say the shells were often being fired at a rate of seven to 10 a minute, The Guardian reports.
More than 150 Palestinian refugees fled a few hours before the firing started, fearing the army was preparing for a final assault. The Daily Star of Lebanon reports that seven members of the militant group also surrendered.
According to Reuters, "Security and political sources said the army was concerned it was being dragged into a war of attrition with the militants dug in inside the camp's narrow alleys and decided to move in to crush them after they refused repeated calls for surrender."
Since the fighting started in late May, more than 200 people have been killed.
AP also reports that today's fighting comes on the first anniversary of the start of Israel's war with Hezbollah guerrillas in southern Lebanon. Prime Minister Fuad Saniora called for "putting a final end" to the standoff at the camp in an address to the nation Wednesday night to mark the anniversary.
9:27 AM ET | 07-12-2007 | permalink
