Lebanese repulse attack on town outside Beirut

The Lebanese Army repulsed an attack from two sides on the key town of Souk al Gharb by Syrian-backed forces Wednesday in new fighting that sent shells and rockets crashing around the US ambassador's residence, Beirut radio reported. Ambassador Robert Dillon and his assistants were not at the residence when the barrage struck, Mr. Dillon's bodyguard said.

A Lebanese Army spokesman said Hawker Hunter planes swooped over the mountains, bombing rebel troops as they tried to break through to Souk al Gharb outside Beirut. President Amin Gemayel reportedly visited Army units on the front line outside Beirut, including Souk al Gharb.