Lebanese troops killed 28 al-Qaida-inspired militants and captured 15 others in a massive gunfight Sunday after they broke out of a northern Palestinian refugee camp devastated by over three months of fighting, a senior security official said.Heavy gunbattles that began during the dawn breakout continued through early afternoon, with troops engaging Fatah al-Islam fighters in buildings, fields and roads around Nahr el-Bared camp, residents and television stations reported.
In a statement, the military said troops were attacking the remaining militant strongholds inside Nahr el-Bared and "chasing the fugitives outside the camp" who had staged "a desperate attempt to flee."
Sunday's developments indicated the battle was almost over for the camp, large parts of which have been reduced to rubble.
According to security officials and television reports, the breakout began early Sunday when a group of militants
Residents said troop reinforcements deployed close to the camp and blocked roads to prevent fighters from sneaking out. Helicopters provided aerial reconnaissance.
State television reported Lebanese residents of nearby villages, armed with guns and sticks, fanned out to protect their houses and prevent militants from seeking refuge and melting into the local population.