The World - News from Nov. 29, 1988

The Syrian army launched a major drive to end five days of fighting in Muslim West Beirut, raiding houses, seizing weapons and arresting 300 feuding Shia Muslim militiamen. About 600 soldiers searched for fighters of the Syrian-backed Amal and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah (Party of God). A Syrian officer said his troops arrested about 300 gunmen and confiscated arms in raids on houses and hide-outs in five West Beirut neighborhoods. “If you see anyone holding a gun, spray him immediately,” said an officer as he ordered his unit to search a seven-story building. “Kill him on the spot. We’re not playing around here.”