Violence erupts in Sidon, Lebanon

Serious fighting erupted between the Lebanese Army and some 250 gunmen who are supporters of Sheikh Ahmad Ass and who are barricaded in and around a mosque in the Abra suburb of Sidon. At least 17 soldiers have died in the altercation. The Sheikh opposes Hezbollah’s involvement in the Syrian civil war. Travellers should exercise caution and avoid the affected area. Several countries advise their citizens to reconsider travel to Lebanon at this time.