TRIPOLI, Lebanon — An uneasy calm permeates Tripoli, the capital of northern Lebanon. Residents cautiously venture out into the street again, and set about repairing the damage that last week’s fighting had caused. With at least 17 dead and close to a 100 injured, it was some of the worst fighting Tripoli has seen since the beginning of the Syrian uprising.
The clashes saw parts of the city transformed into a war zone. Those daring to go out in the Sunni neighbourhood of Bab al-Tabbaneh and the Alawi area of Jabal Mohsen would dash across the deserted streets to avoid the continuous sniper fire. The sound of rocket-propelled grenades and the occasional mortar pierced the nights. Many residents complained of lack of sleep.
