The Shia militant group Hezbollah seized control of key parts of Beirut from Western-backed Sunni rivals today in a show of force as it fights for dominance in Lebanon's political deadlock.
An ally said the group intended to pull back, at least partially, from the areas its gunmen occupied overnight and this morning, indicating Hezbollah does not intend a full-scale, permanent takeover of Sunni Muslim parts of Beirut, similar to the Hamas takeover of Gaza a year ago.
Lebanon's army largely stood aside as the Shiite militiamen scattered their opponents and occupied large parts of the capital's Muslim sector earlier today.
The army has pledged to keep the peace but not take sides in the long political deadlock which pits Hezbollah and a handful of allies including some Christian groups, against the Western-backed government, which includes Christian and Sunni Muslims.
Three days of street battles and gunfights capped by today have killed at least 11 people and wounded 20.
The leaders of Qatar and Syria held talks on Lebanon in Damascus, which wields influence with Hezbollah and has close relations with Iran.
Syria's official news agency said the two sides agreed the conflict in Lebanon was an internal affair and expressed hope the feuding parties would find a solution through dialogue.
Hi: 13°C / Lw: 7°C
Rangers fans clash with police after TV failure
Disease, hunger and thirst threatens survivors
More shocking images in the aftermath of earthquake
Did pope finance King Billy's invasion of England?
Christian Brothers retreat from education
Berlin's four-day party to celebrate world cultures
Police officers are injured as car fails to stop
Taoiseach's last day spent with Big Ian at Boyne centre
Belfast Telegraph's glittering gala ceremony
Agent Provocateur's revealing lingerie launch
Ship's Belfast beginnings celebrated in exhibition
Applauding Ulster's most exceptional women
Special report on Northern Ireland's worst house fire
Celebrating excellence at the inaugural awards gala 
Special multimedia report on Belfast Wheel