We condemn the burning of the UNIFIL convoy in Beirut: President Aoun
3 Min Read
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemns the protests that took place on Beirut International Airport Road last night, warning against any attempts to jeopardize the country's security and stability.
-
Moments from the demonstrations that took place on the road to Beirut's international airport on February 14, 2025. (Social Media)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attack on the convoy of the Deputy Commander of UNIFIL as it passed through Beirut's International Airport, emphasizing that "the attackers will be held accountable."
He stated that he closely followed the developments regarding the roadblocks, arson, and riots that occurred on Friday night. In response, he issued directives to the Lebanese Army and security forces to put an end to these disturbances, clear all roads, and remove obstacles from the streets.
President Aoun also underscored the importance of pursuing and arresting those responsible for disrupting security and ensuring they are referred to the judiciary, which has already launched field investigations.
استمرار الاحتجاجات وقطع الطرق وإشعال الإطارات في #بيروت وسط انتشار كثيف لعناصر الجيش.
— الميادين لبنان (@mayadeenlebanon) February 14, 2025
#لبنان #الميادين_لبنان pic.twitter.com/LbV2NZ99z2
President Aoun condemned the events that took place last night on the airport road and in various areas of Beirut, describing them as unacceptable and deplorable. He stressed that such actions would not be tolerated and emphasized that the security forces would take a firm stance against any group attempting to destabilize the country.
مشاهد تظهر قطع جسر الرينغ في #بيروت بالإطارات المشتعلة.#لبنان #الميادين_لبنان pic.twitter.com/jIds9HI0yN
— الميادين لبنان (@mayadeenlebanon) February 14, 2025
The Lebanese President urged citizens to resist being influenced by dubious calls that could provoke similar actions, emphasizing that any form of protest should remain peaceful, and warning that the security forces would take necessary action to maintain order if responses exceeded acceptable boundaries, especially if they posed a threat to public security and safety.
UNIFIL issues statement
In this context, Acting Army Commander Major General Hassan Odeh reached out to UNIFIL Commander General Aroldo Lazaro to strongly condemn the attack on UNIFIL forces. He assured Lazaro that efforts would be made to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack, ensuring they would be held accountable and brought to justice.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam contacted UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and UNIFIL Mission Head General Aroldo Lazaro to strongly condemn the attack on UNIFIL vehicles and personnel. He stressed the need for urgent measures to identify and apprehend those responsible and ensure they are brought before the appropriate judicial authorities.
In response, UNIFIL issued a statement condemning the attacks on its vehicles as a blatant violation of international law, warning that they could potentially amount to war crimes. The mission urged Lebanese authorities to carry out a swift and comprehensive investigation and to ensure that all perpetrators are held accountable.
Protests erupted Friday night near Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, escalating into riots. Demonstrators clashed with Lebanese Army personnel, attacked a UNIFIL vehicle, and attempted to obstruct the airport road. The unrest stemmed from the decision to bar Iranian flights from landing at the airport.
Lebanese Al-Manar TV reported that masked individuals orchestrated a suspicious movement to provoke chaos on the airport road. In response, the Lebanese Army Command issued a statement on Friday evening, cautioning that such actions could exacerbate internal tensions, with serious consequences, particularly in light of the country's fragile situation.
الجيش يستقدم تعزيزات إلى مكان الاحتجاجات عند #طريق_المطار، على خلفية منع الرحلات الجوية الإيرانية من الوصول إلى #بيروت.#لبنان #الميادين_لبنان pic.twitter.com/Fb2k0lhwPO
— الميادين لبنان (@mayadeenlebanon) February 14, 2025
The Lebanese Army deployed additional military reinforcements to the area where the riots took place, to prevent further escalation and ensure the security of the country.
