News In Brief

Saudi consul in Beirut kidnapped by gunmen

Six gunmen kidnapped Saudi Consul Hussein Farrash in West Beirut Tuesday. Two cars forced Mr. Farrash's driver to stop in the seafront district of Raouche, shot and wounded his bodyguard, dragged the diplomat from his car, and took him to an unknown destination, security sources said. Hours after the ambush, no one had claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.

Schools in East Beirut closed for fear of more shelling after barrages between the Lebanese Army and Druze militias Monday that killed 22 and wounded 65. In the south of the countrym residents closed their shops, set up street barricades, and burned tires to protest Israel's occupation of the region.