Lebanese Army warns against internal unrest amid protests near Beirut
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Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
Today 00:03
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he Lebanese Army warns against actions that could fuel internal unrest amid protests near Beirut’s airport, vowing to maintain security and arrest those responsible.
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Lebanese army soldiers stand guard in front of the parliament building before a session to elect a new Lebanese president in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 (AP)
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.
In response, the Amal Movement denounced the attack on UNIFIL as an assault on southern Lebanon, emphasizing that roadblocks anywhere in the country are a threat to civil peace.
Roadblocks due to Iran airlines ban
Lebanese protestersblocked 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.
During the demonstration, youths set tires on fire at the airport entrance, while the Lebanese army worked to facilitate movement to and from the airport and attempted to restore order, Lebanon'sNational News Agency (NNA)reported.
The director of Imam Khomeini Airport in Iran stated that the Iranian plane had not been permitted to fly to Beirut and noted that the Civil Aviation Organization was currently handling the matter to facilitate the flight as soon as possible.
A Lebanese citizen stranded at Tehran airport addressed the Lebanese authorities after their flight was prevented from returning to Beirut, saying, "Our bags contain sweets and clothes," urging the Lebanese president, parliament speaker, and prime minister to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Commenting on the matter, MP Ibrahim al-Mousawi pointed out that "the Israeli enemy’spersistent violationsof Lebanese sovereignty, coupled with the complicity of the international community—particularly the United States—have emboldened it to expand and diversify its aggressions."
"This is entirely condemnable and must be met with widespread denunciation from all in Lebanon," he underlined.
Al-Mousawi called on all parties to raise their voices and hold relevant international institutions accountable to fulfill their duties in stopping Israeli aggression against Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport.
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