Political conflict takes violent turn in Beirut

Supporters of Lebanon's US-backed government fought gun battles in Beirut yesterday with gunmen loyal to the Hezbollah-led opposition, escalating the country's worst internal crisis since the 1975-90 civil war.

The clashes took place a day after the government accused Hezbollah of violating the country's sovereignty by operating its own telecommunications network and installing spy cameras at Beirut airport.

Air traffic was suspended yesterday because of a strike by staff taking part in labor union action to demand more pay.