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FIERCE armed conflicts have erupted in Beirut between the supporters of the pro-western government and the Hezbollah-led opposition.
The clashes broke out after people staged demonstrations in Beirut to protest Prime Minister Fuad Siniora's government over the ongoing economic and political crisis in the country.
Fierce fighting was underway in the districts of al-Jadidah and al-Fakahani and a group of opposition supporters stormed an office of MP Saad Hariri's al-Mostaqbal (Future) Party in the Ras al-Naba district.
In Ras al-Naba, the two sides targeted each others' positions with rifles and RPG projectiles. Many houses and cars were set ablaze in the battles but there were no immediate reports of casualties.
An internet website quoted opposition sources as saying that the opposition intended to stage a sit-in at Beirut Airport.
Meanwhile, Minister of Communication Marwan Hamadeh accused Hezbollah of seeking to disrupt security in Lebanon.
About 300 passengers were left stranded as all ways to the airport were blocked.
Siniora is reportedly considering a decision to declare a state of emergency in the country.
An opposition source said protests over the country's growing economic problems and the Western-backed government's anti-Hezbollah decisions will continue.
Tensions came to their height after the cabinet ruled against a telecommunications network used by Hezbollah.
The group says the network served the nation against Israeli attacks on civilian areas during the 33-day war in 2006.
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