BEIRUT, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Overnight clashes in west Beirut area of Tarik Jdideh between Lebanese army troops and illegal motorbike rioters left five people wounded, local Naharnet website reported Saturday.

    The area has been the scene of sporadic violence in the past year, but calmed dawn since the end of May.

    Lebanese army troops and police set up checkpoints late Friday as part of law-enforcement measures to seize illegal motorbikes.

    Violence erupted as the motorbike owners smashed cars around police stations, prompting Lebanese army to fire and use teargas.

    Tarik Jdideh area, dominated by pro-government Sunnis, witnessed in May fierce clashes with Shiite opposition members from Hezbollah and Amal movement.

    The clashes which erupted on May 7 in the neighborhood ended after Lebanese leaders signed Doha accord in Qatar on May 21, prohibiting the use of arms to settle political differences.

    However, the Lebanese army was authorized to use force against any security violations.