World | Lebanon Hezbollah Seizes Muslim Beirut Major blow to US-backed government By Rob Quinn Posted May 9, 2008 6:12 AM CDT Copied A motorcycle is seen burnt out near a building where Hezbollah militants hanged Palestinian flags and pictures of President Bashar Assad in Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, May 9, 2008. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) Hezbollah militants have taken control of Muslim areas of Beirut and now control all the roads to the Lebanese capital's airport, Reuters reports. Gunmen forced a pro-government TV station off the air. At least 11 people have been killed, including those trying to flee the city, as sectarian violence continued into a third day. Masked gunmen roamed the streets as the city continued to suffer its worst violence since Lebanon's 15-year civil war. The army fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators but did not intervene in the fierce clashes between Shiite militias and Sunnis loyal to the country's US-backed government. Fears that the violence could escalate into another civil war are growing. Read These Next The Air Force has changed its tune on Ashli Babbitt. Open that wallet big time for a trip to Disney, if you can afford it. Minneapolis shooter had a plan—and grievances. A 'tense' clash with RFK Jr. led to CDC chief's trouble. Report an error