Lebanese army units are closing in on followers of a hardline Sunni cleric in the southern city of Sidon, part of the ongoing spillover from the conflict in neighboring Syria.

Lebanese soldiers took cover behind tanks and armored vehicles Monday in Sidon, exchanging gunfire with supporters of Sheikh Amad al-Assir.

Assir, a Sunni, has become a vocal support of the Syrian rebels, fighting to oust President Bashar al-Assad. Lebanon’s government is dominated by the Shi’ite group Hezbollah and its allies. Hezbollah militants have traveled to Syria to help defend Assad’s regime.

The clashes broke out Sunday, when the army detained one of Assir’s supporters. His followers retaliated by attacking an army checkpoint, killing at least 12 soldiers. Officials say several of Assir’s supporter have also been killed and dozens of others have been wounded.

Lebanese officials say the army is surrounding a mosque complex where Assir’s followers may be gathered. Assir’s twitter feed early Monday called for his followers to rise up and help.

There had also been fighting in a nearby Palestinian refugee camp, where Assir has supporters.

Meanwhile, Syria’s foreign minister warns the decision by some Western nations to help arm the rebels will only prolong the conflict and empower terrorists.

Walid al-Moallem told a news conference in Damascus that President Assad will not step down at called-for peace talks in Geneva. He said anyone who believes Assad would hand over power is delusional.

Moallem also said the government wants to see a cease-fire in place as a condition of attending any talks. [Read More]

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Source: VOA News: War and Conflict