Lebanese media reports on Monday indicate that a sheikh affiliated with the Shi'ite group Hezbollah survived an assassination attempt in the southern port town of Sidon.
According to The Daily Star newspaper, Sheikh Maher Hammoud was the target of an attempt on his life as unknown assailants believed to be armed with semi-automatic AK-47 rifles opened fire in his direction before dawn Monday.
Hammoud, who is known for his avowedly pro-Syrian views, said that the gunmen's "lack of professionalism" saved his life. Lebanese authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.