Pro-Assad official killed in n.Lebanon, unrest ensues

An official with the pro-Syrian Arab Democratic Party was assassinated by masked gunmen in the northern city of Tripoli Thursday, triggering violence that left two people killed and five wounded.

Unknown assailants on a small motorcycle shot Abdel-Rahman Diab as he drove his Chevy along the coastal Mina highway at dawn, according to security sources.

Diab was the father of one of the suspects in August's twin mosque bombings in Tripoli.

Diab died instantly from 12 bullets that pierced his chest, head and neck, the sources told The Daily Star. His bullet-riddled body was taken to Tripoli’s Islamic Hospital.

As the news of his death spread across Jabal Mohsen, ADP fighters began sniping at the rival neighborhoods of Mallouleh and Mankoubin.

Two men were shot dead by sniper fire following the fatal shooting of the ADP official. Five other people, including a woman, were also wounded, the sources said. They were also taken to the Islamic Hospital.

Among the fatalities was Mohammad Jamal, a truck driver.

The Lebanese Army responded by firing back at the source of sniper fire. Troops also closed the targeted road.

By mid-morning, almost all public and private schools across Tripoli had shut down over fears the security situation could deteriorate.

The Lebanese University also cancelled all exams scheduled for Thursday in the wake of the violence. Exam dates will be announced later.

Diab is the father of Youssef Diab, a suspect in the Tripoli twin bombings who was arrested in October.

At least 47 people were killed and more than 300 wounded in the Aug. 23 blasts.

Two other bombing suspects - identified as Anis Hamzeh and Hasan Jaafar - were also detained.

Diab reportedly confessed to driving a rigged car to Al-Salam mosque and detonating it while another member of the Alawite ADP, Ahmad Merhi, allegedly drove the other car and detonated it at Al-Taqwa mosque. (Daily Star)