Nightclub shootout kills 8 north of Lebanese capital

BEIRUT  — A shootout erupted early Monday as Lebanese forces raided a nightclub north of Beirut, leaving eight people dead, including two officers and two members of a notorious crime family, the state-run news agency and the Lebanese army said.

The purpose of the raid at the nightclub in the city of Jounieh was to apprehend fugitives, the reports said, without providing details. Four officers were wounded in the firefight.

An army statement said army intelligence officers with the anti-drug department were conducting the raid when one of the fugitives they were trying to apprehend opened fire, killing the two officers.

Among the dead were two members of the Zoaiter family who had 11 search warrants and six arrest warrants against them, the statement said. The family is known in Lebanon for dealing drugs.

READ: Romania nightclubs: We were reckless, risked patrons’ lives

It was not clear exactly how the other people, including the women, were killed. The army sealed off the club, leaving birthday cakes and protective gloves and suits outside.

Military prosecutor Sakr Sakr opened an investigation into the incident. An army spokesman said no further details would be released pending the investigation.