TRIPOLI, Lebanon (CBS) -- Sporadic clashes erupted in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli on Monday (October 22) between Sunnis and pro-Syria Alawites, as gunmen patrolled the streets.

Smoke could be seen rising over neighborhoods after buildings and houses were set on fire.

Gunmen have been walking the streets of the city, where there have already been clashes between Sunnis and Alawites sympathetic to different sides in the Syrian war.

"They are killing us, killing the Sunni sect with all its leaders. If the state won't stop this, let it go throw itself into the sea. The state is done. I say to all the soldiers and all security members, everyone refer to its sect," said Sunni Hajj Ziad.

On Sunday (October 21) night, gunmen armed with rifles and rocket-propelled grenades exchanged fire in southern districts of Beirut, security sources said, and residents could hear the sound of ambulance sirens.

There were no immediate reports of casualties from the clashes in the capital