Clashes halt in Lebanese capital

BEIRUT, Lebanon, May 11 (UPI) -- The majority of fighting in the capital of Lebanon stopped Sunday after the military demanded a halt on attacks in Beirut, officials said.

A large portion of opposition fighters backed off by early Sunday, with only small Amal movement groups remaining to monitor the streets, Alalam Satellite TV reported.

Intense clashes continued in northern Lebanon Sunday between followers of the Western-backed government and the Alawite sect, an official said.

The official said thousands of people had left the area and several were injured.

"About 7,000 people have fled from Bab al-Tebbaneh, which marks the front lines, because of the battles," he said.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International