Supporters of Hezbollah wave Hezbollah and Lebanese flags during a commemoration service marking one week since the death of Ali Fayyad, one of Hezbollah’s senior commanders killed fighting in Syria, in Ansar village, southern Lebanon March 6, 2016. REUTERS/Aziz Taher – RTS9J93
Heavy clashes broke out in the Lebanese capital Beirut on October 14 following an ambush that targeted unarmed Shiite supporters of Hezbollah and the Amal Movement who were protesting against the ongoing investigation into the 2020 Beirut port explosion.
The protesters were targeted by snipers, reportedly members of the pro-US, far-right Lebanese Forces party, as they were passing in the area of Tayouneh on their way to the Justice Palace.
— INTELSky (@Intel_Sky) October 14, 2021
In last few days, top leaders of Hezbollah and the Amal Movement criticized the ongoing investigation into the port explosion especially the judge leading the process, Tarek Bitar
Bitar has reportedly focused the investigation on senior officials of the two Shiite parties, while ignoring every other aspect of the investigation. The judge was accused of being politically motivated.
After the initial attack on the protesters, which was condemned by both Hezbollah and Amal, the Lebanese military deployed a large force in Tayouneh.
Army troops sealed Tayouneh and began searching for the snipers responsible for the attack on the protesters. Nevertheless, the situation spun out of control. More gunmen affiliated with the Lebanese Forces showed up in the area, prompting a swift response from armed supporter of Hezbollah and Amal.
— INTELSky (@Intel_Sky) October 14, 2021
— INTELSky (@Intel_Sky) October 14, 2021
— INTELSky (@Intel_Sky) October 14, 2021
— INTELSky (@Intel_Sky) October 14, 2021
According to the Lebanese Red Cross, six people, including unarmed protesters, have been killed and more than 30 others have been wounded, so far.
The Lebanese military is now working to secure Tayouneh. Hezbollah and Amal are also dispatching reinforcements to the area.
وصلت التعزيزات #حزب_الله #بيروت #لبنان_إنهار pic.twitter.com/sKZHDrqXZr
— Larissa Aoun (@LarissaAounSky) October 14, 2021
❗BREAKING: The toll in Beirut rises to 7 dead and 33 wounded. Meanwhile, Hezbollah sends reinforcements 🇱🇧
– Al Jadeed pic.twitter.com/aEV7HKgpV2
— Fra 🇮🇹🗣️ (@FrancescComito) October 14, 2021
Lebanon’s newly-appointed Prime Minister Najib Mikati is following the dangerous situation closely with the higher command of the Lebanese military. Hezbollah and Amal will not likely escalate in order to spear crisis-struck Beirut a serious confrontation.
