Lebanese Army uses tear gas against peaceful protesters
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The Lebanese Army is dispersing a protest called for by Hezbollah near Beirut's Rafic Hariri Airport to protest foreign interference in the country's affairs.
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Pro-Hezbollah protesters gather near the Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon, February 15, 2025 (Al Mayadeen)
The Deputy Head of Hezbollah’s Political Council, Mahmoud Qomati, reaffirmed on Saturday the party’s rejection of any US dominance over Lebanon, stressing that “patience has its limits.”
In a speech delivered at a protest site near Beirut Airport Road, which was called for by Hezbollah against foreign interference in the country's affairs, Qomati stated that “the Lebanese state remains under US diktats, and we do not accept that this nation be under American and Israeli control.”
He added that “the ban on Iranian planes landing at Beirut Airport is an insult to the Lebanese state and confirms the imposition of US conditions on it.” He further emphasized that “Iran is a friendly state” and that Hezbollah “will not accept foreign diktats.”
Lebanese protesters blocked the road to Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Thursday evening in response to the refusal to allow an Iranian plane to land, leaving its Lebanese passengers stranded in Tehran.
Calls to protest and block the airport road spread across social media, condemning the decision.
Addressing Lebanese politicians, Qomati said: “If you choose to submit, the resistance’s people reject the American and Israeli humiliation policy and will not accept it.”
فيديو يُظهر تقدم قوات #الجيش_اللبناني نحو المتظاهرين في #طريق_المطار.👇#لبنان #الميادين_لبنان pic.twitter.com/rFcCb6oCIf
— الميادين لبنان (@mayadeenlebanon) February 15, 2025
Regarding the situation on the southern border, he stressed that “the resistance remains committed to ensuring the enemy’s withdrawal from the south and will not accept any official stance that extends the enemy’s presence on our land.”
During the protest, the Lebanese army fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators, resulting in cases of fainting among the protesters. Gunfire was also heard in the area.
إصابات في صفوف المتظاهرين على #طريق_المطار في #بيروت، بعد إطلاق الجيش قنابل مسيلة للدموع باتجاههم.#لبنان #الميادين_لبنان pic.twitter.com/Oza2ltE80l
— الميادين لبنان (@mayadeenlebanon) February 15, 2025
Earlier today, Hezbollah had called for the popular protest to denounce "Israeli interference" and "the imposition of conditions on national sovereignty" near the capital's vital Airport Road.
Army warns of 'unrest'
The Lebanese Army issued a warning on Friday evening against actions that could escalate internal tensions, as the country navigates a critical period.
In a statement, the army reported that several areas, particularly around Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport, have witnessed protests involving vandalism, attacks on security forces, and an attempt to block airport access. The unrest also included assaults on UNIFIL vehicles.
The army affirmed that its units would continue their security operations and vowed to act decisively to prevent disturbances and arrest those responsible for disorder.
Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Al-Manar TV reported that masked individuals orchestrated a "suspicious movement" near the airport road, allegedly aiming to incite chaos. This came as a UNIFIL vehicle was set on fire.
Following the incident, UNIFIL condemned the attacks as “serious violations of international law” that “could amount to war crimes,” urging Lebanese authorities to conduct a full and immediate investigation to hold perpetrators accountable.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam contacted UN Special Coordinator Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and UNIFIL Commander General Aroldo Lázaro to address the situation. Salam strongly condemned what he termed a “criminal assault” on UNIFIL personnel and reiterated Lebanon’s appreciation for the peacekeeping force’s role in the south.
Salam also directed the Interior Minister to take urgent measures to identify and arrest those involved.
