Beddawi Doors Closed to Fatah al-Islam

Palestinian factions have taken precautionary measures to prevent the infiltration of Fatah al-Islam militants, who escaped from Roumieh prison over the weekend, into Palestinian camps in the north, the factions said in a statement.

They announced that joint security forces launched patrols at the Beddawi camp and closed all entrances to the shantytown.

The forces also took strong measures to control movements at the main gates and raised the level of alert to preserve the security and stability of the camp, the statement said.

It stressed the keenness of Palestinian factions on the best of ties with Lebanon and on coordination with the involved security authorities in arresting the fugitives.

The factions are also keen on keeping the camps clear of local and foreign disputes, the statement added.

Five prisoners, including Fatah al-Islam terrorists, escaped Roumieh prison Saturday by scaling down the building's walls with bed sheets before mixing with visiting relatives and walking out of the compound with them.

The army announced late Saturday that it arrested one fugitive in the northern port city of Tripoli.