The World - News from May 11, 1988

Rival Shia Muslim groups resumed fierce battles for control of Beirut’s southern suburbs, shattering a brief truce. The truce, arranged by Iran and Syria, was generally honored for much of the day, but shortly after midnight, artillery of the Syrian-backed Amal militia opened fire on positions held by Hezbollah (Party of God), the Iranian-backed militia, police said. Militia and security sources said the militias were fighting with tanks, multi-rocket launchers, mortars and rocket-propelled grenades. “It’s a hell out there. I can count at least 20 blasts a minute,” one resident said.