Syrian conflict spills into Lebanon

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati appealed to both sides to end the “absurd battle”

The conflict in Syria has spilled into Northern Lebanon, the BBC reports. Eight people have been killed at at least 75 wounded in clashes between two Muslim communities divided over the Syrian uprising.

Sunnis Muslims, who are typically against the Assad regime, and Alawites have been fighting in the city of Tripoli, Lebanon for the last two days.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati appealed to both sides to end the “absurd battle” and warned residents of Tripoli not to be turned into “ammunition for someone else’s war”.

Violence has flared several times recently but Tripoli residents say the last two days have been particularly intense, with heavier weapons being used, and over a larger area than normal.