News In Brief

More violations batter Lebanese cease-fire

Mortar rounds crashed into the US Marine compound near Beirut international airport, and government troops battled Shiite Muslim militiamen in south Beirut in the most serious violation of an eight-day truce.

Monday's fighting came as President Amin Gemayel warned he would take ''deterrent steps'' against any attempt by Druze Muslims to set up a separate civil administration in the Shouf mountains. The Lebanese President also held urgent meetings with his Cabinet and Army commanders to discuss the reported desertion of 600 Lebanese soldiers, presidential palace sources said.