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First Casualty in Opposition Protests in Lebanon

A Lebanese youth was killed Sunday and another 21 people were injured in confutations that erupted between Shiites and Sunnis in a predominantly Sunni neighborhood in western Beirut. The casualty was Ali Mahmmud, a 20-year-old Shiite, who was shot in the back. The Lebanese army began its investigation but at this time the shooters identity is unknown. It has been reported that Mahmmud was returning from a protest against the Fouad Siniora`s government. It has also been reported that Lebanese soldiers have been spotted in the neighborhood before the shooting, responding to mob of Shiites throwing stones.

In another incident that also took place in western Beirut, a clash broke out between Shiites and Sunnis involving throwing of rocks. Several stores were set ablaze and car windows were shattered. The conflict was disrupted by the army using smoke grenades. At least 10 Shiites and 8 Sunnis were hurt in this incident.

The inter-faction tension has been on the rise since 800 thousand opposition supporters gathered in Beirut Friday calling for the fall of the current government. Currently, 5,000 of the demonstrators have remained near the Lebanese government offices, staying in tents set up for occasion. The "camp" is equipped with chemical toilets and water tanks to allow for a prolonged stay. Neighboring countries such as Israel, Egypt, Turkey and other moderate countries in the Middle East are watching wearily as the situation develops. Many inside and out of Lebanon are afraid the violence will brake out in to full blown civil war.