BBC: Gunmen from the Shia militant group Hezbollah have seized most of western Beirut, driving out supporters of the Western-backed government.
The gunmen, who also back Hezbollah's Shia opposition allies, have forced the closure of pro-government media.
The opposition said it would maintain roadblocks around Beirut until there was a solution to the political crisis.
At least 11 people, mainly civilians, have been killed and dozens injured in the city in three days of clashes.
The fighting was sparked by a government move on Monday to shut down Hezbollah's telecoms network.
The UN Security Council has urged the rival parties to stop fighting amid fears of civil war breaking out. Hezbollah Takes Over West Beirut >>>
THE GUARDIAN:
Watch: Violent Clashes in Beirut: Gunfire and fighting on the streets of Lebanon's capital spark fears of return to civil war >>>
CHINAVIEW.CN:
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Begin Evacuating Nationals from Lebanon >>> | May 9, 2008
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback – USA)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Hardcover – USA)
