Fighting has been raging in the western Syrian town of Qusair after government troops launched a major operation to seize the strategic rebel stronghold. State media said the army had "restored security and stability" to most of the town - a claim denied by activists. Lebanese militants are said to be involved - Hezbollah siding with the army, and Sunni gunmen with the rebels. At least 50 people have reportedly been killed since Sunday. The fighting has spilled into Lebanon. Several mortar rounds fired from Syria struck Lebanon's north-eastern town of Hermel on Sunday, Lebanon's National News Agency said. No casualties or major damage were reported. The agency said that in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli, at least five people were injured in clashes between supporters of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and rebel backers.
