Heavy gunfire resounds in Akkar village

BEIRUT — Heavy gunfire was heard Tuesday morning in the village of Bebnine, in Akkar, North Lebanon, following a dispute that broke out the day before between the rival Kassar and Hafzeh families in the village, L’Orient Today’s correspondent in North Lebanon reported. The cause of the dispute is still unknown.

Here’s what we know:

    • According to our correspondent, the security forces are cooperating with individuals of influence in the village to ease tensions. The head of the municipality of Bebnine, Kafah Kassar, criticized the fighting, describing it as an “ immoral act of aggression” and calling on the security forces to take the necessary measures and prosecute anyone involved.

    • Clashes between rival families in northern villages are not uncommon. Last October, a personal dispute between members of rival families in Wadi Jamous in Akkar left six people dead.