Two killed in sectarian clashes in Tripoli, Lebanon

At least two people have been killed in the Lebanese city of Tripoli as clashes erupted between Sunni Muslims and members of the Alawite minority.

The violence began overnight as armed groups from an Alawite enclave clashed with Sunni fighters, after security forces arrested a Sunni cleric who was reportedly helping Syrian refugees.Tensions in the northern port city have mounted since Syria’s uprising began.

Similar recent clashes have highlighted how tensions can spill over to Lebanon. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is an Alawite.

In February at least two people were killed in Tripoli as supporters and opponents of Mr Assad clashed. But the city’s Alawite minority has fought with its Sunni neighbours on several occasions since the 1975-1990 Lebanese civil war.