TRIPOLI (Lebanon), July 9: Two people were killed and dozens wounded in street battles between rival sectarian camps armed with rockets, sniper rifles and grenades in the north Lebanese city of Tripoli on Wednesday.

Panicked residents were fleeing the scene of the fighting which first erupted late on Tuesday in two districts in northeastern Tripoli, while several roads were blocked and local shops and schools were closed, a correspondent said.

A security official said two people were killed and another 50 were wounded in the violence, which followed the eruption of similar battles two weeks ago in the port city that left nine people dead and dozens more injured.

The latest fighting comes amid continued efforts by Prime Minister Fuad Siniora to form a national unity government which have been hampered by bickering between rival factions over cabinet posts.—AFP