The World - News from Feb. 8, 1987

Fierce battles erupted between Shia Muslim militiamen and Palestinian guerrillas trapped in two refugee camps in south Beirut, killing nine people and wounding 35, police said. The besieged guerrillas said the fighting flared after Amal militiamen opened fire on a truckload of food as it entered the Borj el Brajne camp. But an Amal statement said the truck was ambushed because three guerrillas aboard were attempting to sneak weapons and ammunition into the camp. Borj el Brajne and the Chatilla refugee camp were both hit by heavy rocket and shell bombardments, witnesses said.