Supporters of former President Amin Gemayel clashed with Gen. Michel Aoun's followers in the streets of Metn region of Mount Lebanon, using sticks, fists and feet, only days ahead of the by-elections. The brief fight late Sunday in Broummana and Baabdat of Metn region northeast of Beirut erupted after demonstrators from both sides roamed the streets of the two major resort towns campaigning for their favorite candidates .Friction between the two camps has been heating up since Aoun, who heads the Free Patriotic Movement, announced that he and his allies -- the Tashnag Party and MP Michel Murr -- will jointly contest the Metn seat that became vacant as a result of the assassination of Amin Gemayel's son, Pierre Gemayel.
Lebanese army troops quickly stepped in and dispersed the feuding sides. Following the clash , the Phalange Party , headed by former president Amin Gemayel issued a statement in which it denounced the harassment of its supporters by the followers of the Free Patriotic Movement , headed by general Aoun and accused FPM of provoking the supporters of Gemayel and initiating the fight.