Hundreds of Lebanese demonstrators have blocked major roads in and around the capital Beirut at the start of a general strike.
The Hezbollah-led opposition has called the strike as part of their continuing campaign to force the resignation of the government.

Witnesses said the protesters burned tyres and piled up stones to block the roads and prevent anyone going to work.

The government had warned troops might be used to maintain order.

Protesters turned out early on Tuesday to cut off several streets in central Beirut, witnesses said.

The only road leading to Beirut's international airport was blocked, as well as several main roads connecting the capital with other towns.

Plumes of smoke from burning tyres formed a black cloud over the city.

Formations of security forces were standing by, the BBC's Jim Muir in Lebanon says.

The government has said they will keep the roads open, but so far, there has been little action taken, our correspondent says.

At least two of the protestors were reported to have been wounded by gunfire when they tried to close the roads at Byblos, a mainly Christian port town in the north.

Demonstrators say they will keep up their protests until they achieve their aims.

Lebanon woke up to spiraling riots by the Hizbullah-led opposition in an effort to enforce a general strike aimed at toppling Prime Minister Fouad Saniora's majority government.
Thick black smoked billowed from blazing rubber tires in Beirut, east and south Lebanon as members of the opposition tried to block traffic at key road intersections.

Despite that, children penetrated the smoke screens covering their faces with masks and heading to schools in Beirut as well as cities and towns of east and south Lebanon.

Thousands of motorists waited in cars in determination to make it to work as army troops reopened the main road linking the eastern Jizzine district with the provincial capital of Sidon.

A bunch of youngsters wearing black headbands ran away as the troops picked the blazing tires off the road. Motorists blew horns in jubilation and kids were seen clapping and chanting as their bus headed to school.

At least three people were injured in the northern town of Byblos (Jbeil) when they tried to stop members of the opposition Free Patriotic Movement from blocking the road by setting up fire to rubber tires.