Families flee fierce clashes at Lebanon’s largest refugee camp
Dozens of families fled Lebanon’s largest refugee camp yesterday as clashes intensified between Palestinian security forces and militant gunmen.
Guns and rocket fire resounded as black smoke billowed over the Ain Al Hilweh camp near the southern port city of Sidon.
Two people were killed when the clash began on Thursday, after gunmen from the small Badr group fired at the security forces inside the camp, a Palestinian source said. Clashes intensified yesterday after easing on Friday.
The camp in Al Tiri district is a few metres from a Lebanese army base, but by convention the military does not enter Palestinian refugee camps in its country, leaving the factions to handle security.
The Badr group is linked to Bilal Badr, a militant wanted in connection with terrorism who has refused to surrender, a Lebanese official said.
In April, week-long clashes between his supporters and Palestinian security killed nine and wounded about 50.
A joint Palestinian security force, comprising members of the key Fatah and Hamas factions, has strived for months to rein in Badr fighters.
Ain Al Hilweh is home to about 61,000 Palestinians, including 6,000 who fled the war in neighbouring Syria.
Several armed factions including extremist groups have a foothold in the camp, which has been plagued for years by intermittent clashes.