TRIPOLI: Lebanon’s army arrested 21 men suspected of involvement in sectarian fighting that killed 11 people in Tripoli over three days, a day after it took control of the northern city.

“In Bab El-Tebbaneh and Jabal Mohsen, army units arrested 21 people suspected of committing crimes, including shooting,” the military said.

Residents of Jabal Mohsen, who share Syrian President Bashar Assad’s Alawite faith, have fought frequently in recent months with inhabitants of the Sunni district of Bab El-Tebbaneh, who support Syria’s anti-regime revolt.

“The military intelligence services have transferred eight (of the suspects) to military tribunals, while the rest are still in questioning,” the army said in its statement.

The arrests come a day after the Lebanese authorities decided to place Tripoli, a city of some 500,000 people, under army control for six months.

Security measures such as patrols and checkpoints have already been increased in the port city, the military itself has announced.

“Soldiers chased down the armed men through the streets of Bab El-Tebbaneh,” a source added.