The New Nation - Internet Edition

Reuters, Beirut

Supporters of Lebanon's Hezbollah blocked main roads in Beirut with burning barricades on Wednesday, paralyzing the city and deepening the pro-Iranian group's conflict with the U.S.-backed government.

They set ablaze old cars and tires to block the main road to Beirut's international airport, where air traffic was suspended because of a strike by staff taking part in a labor union protest to demand higher wages.

The Hezbollah-led opposition has backed the strike. Activists loyal to Hezbollah, a political group with a guerrilla army and backing from Iran and Syria, also blocked routes to Beirut's main commercial district and the usually busy sea port.