Shelling continues at refugee camp in Lebanon
Updated on 02 June 2007
The Lebanese army has continued to shell a Palestinian refugee camp in their attempts to remove al-Qaeda inspired militants.
At least three soldiers were killed in overnight fighting at the Nahr al Bared camp in north Lebanon. But the rebels have vowed not to surrender.
Fatah al-Islam militants spokesman Abu Salim Taha said: "There is no way we will give up our weapons because it is our pride. We cannot even contemplate surrendering."
The army has been battling the Fatah al-Islam militants since May 20 in Lebanon's worst internal violence since the 1975-1990 civil war.
The Lebanese government says the militants triggered the fighting when it attacked army positions around the camp and Lebanon's second largest city, Tripoli.
Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said there was no option for the militants but to surrender and give up their arms.
He said: "This phenomenon is that of a terrorist gang.
"This government and the army have sought over the past 14 days to find a solution that would allow them to surrender because what they have committed against the Lebanese army and the Lebanese state, makes it impossible to find agreement, or accord or attempt at a truce or compromise."
Security sources said six soldiers had died in fighting between Friday and Saturday, bringing the total death toll in the two-week conflict to 106, of whom 41 are soldiers.
At least 16 people were killed inside the camp on Friday, but it was unclear whether they were militants or civilians.
