Popular protests compel US delegation to cancel tour in Tyre, al-Khiam
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The US delegation, headed by Barrack, has canceled visits to Tyre and Khiam amid protests in South Lebanon, denouncing Washington’s support for Israeli attacks and interference in Lebanon.
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US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack speaks during a press conference after his meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. (AP)
Popular protests in South Lebanon against US policies forced a US delegation on Wednesday to cancel planned visits to the towns of Tyre and al-Khiam.
Residents of al-Khiam and other border villages staged demonstrations condemning Washington’s support for Israeli aggression and its continued interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs. Protesters carried banners rejecting US statements they described as insulting to Lebanon and reaffirmed their commitment to defending national sovereignty.
Anger stemming from US envoy #TomBarrack’s recent remarks spilled onto the streets of Al-Khiam, South Lebanon, where residents held pictures of martyrs and waved Hezbollah flags, awaiting the delegation to pass.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) August 27, 2025
Along the route, sharp messages were spray-painted: “The US is the… pic.twitter.com/KxnccyUvHX
US envoy’s remarks spark outrage
The demonstrations came a day after US envoy Tom Barrack drew criticism for remarks he made at Baabda Presidential Palace.
At the start of a joint news conference with US envoy Morgan Ortagus at the presidential palace, US representative Barrack lashed out at journalists present, warning them to remain quiet.
“The moment that this starts becoming chaotic, like animalistic, we’re gone,” Barrack declared. He then questioned, “Do you think this is economically beneficial for Morgan and I to be here putting up with this insanity?”
Barrack also tied the problems of the region to the lack of "tolerance" the journalists were showing, saying, "Act civilized, act kind, act tolerant, because this is the problem with what’s happening in the region.”
The journalists did not respond on the spot, but the Lebanese Press Syndicate swiftly issued a statement denouncing what it described as the “inappropriate treatment” directed toward Lebanese journalists.
Opposition to US hostility toward Resistance
Members of the delegation also faced backlash over their comments on Lebanese Resistance movements. Senator Jeanne Shaheen told reporters on Tuesday that the purpose of the visit was “not to discuss what ‘Israel’ has done or will do” but rather to push for the disarmament of Hezbollah.
Senator Lindsey Graham echoed this position, saying, “We want Hezbollah disarmed, and once that happens, we will then have a different dialogue with Israel.”
Protesters in al-Khiam rejected these remarks, insisting that Lebanon’s sovereignty and security must be preserved, and demanding an end to Israeli violations and US interference.
US delegation presses for Hezbollah disarmament
A US delegation met with Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun on Tuesday at Baabda Palace, affirming what they described as a "fruitful" meeting and expressing continued US support for the Lebanese people and a "secure and prosperous Lebanon."
The delegation included US envoys Tom Barrack and Morgan Ortagus, Congresswoman Jeanne Shaheen, and Senator Lindsey Graham.
In statements following the meeting, Barrack said the Lebanese government will present a plan to disarm Hezbollah by August 31, while "Israel” is expected to respond step by step. "No one wants internal fighting in Lebanon," he said, adding, "We are trying to ensure that the anti-Israel party is unarmed."
Barrack stated that the US will remain engaged in Lebanon, suggesting the creation of a new economic zone and emphasizing that all regional concerns, from "Israel” and Syria, must be addressed. He also claimed Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa "has no interest in a hostile relationship with Lebanon.”
It is noteworthy that "Israel" has violated the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon on a daily basis since it was first implemented late last year and has moved to occupy Lebanese territory in South Lebanon and executed strikes on Lebanese civilians and homes.
