BEIRUT – The fight over the Palestinian refugee camp Nahr el-Bared up north is over. The Lebanese Army stormed the last positions of Fatah al-Islam militants earlier today after a last-ditch escape attempt by the militants failed. At least 35 fighters were killed, and about 20 others captured. The leader, Shaker al-Absi, apparently escaped.
Celebratory gunfire broke out in the north, while villagers around the camp pelted the army with rice. In Beirut there’s a bit of celebration and horn honking.
After three months and more than 220 people killed (including 158 Lebanese soldiers) Lebanon’s worst violence since its 1975 – 1990 civil war is over. Let the fighting over the presidency begin.
