5 Lebanon troops wounded in Tripoli clash: security source

Five Lebanese army troops and a number of Islamist gunmen were wounded in a clash late Friday in a historic area of the northern city of Tripoli, a security official said.

"The number of wounded soldiers has risen to five," said the official, who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity, adding that "several gunmen have been injured, while others have been arrested."

The clash that initially erupted in the souks (traditional markets) area of Lebanon's second city also extended to other areas.

Ever since the war in neighbouring Syria broke out in 2011, Tripoli has been the scene of regular fighting between Sunni militants and members of Lebanon's Alawite minority.

Friday's clashes were the first since the outbreak of Syria's war to break out in the souks area, which is traditionally a touristic site.

AFP