Gunfire erupts in clashes during protest over Beirut explosion inquiry – at least five dead

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At least five people have been killed after gunfire broke out in Beirut during a protest over the inquiry into last year’s port blast which killed more than 200 people.

Hezbollah and its allies had called for protests against the probe, saying they want Judge Tarek Bitar removed.

There was a large military presence on the streets of the Lebanese capital. Gunfire involving snipers, pistols, rifles and rocket-propelled grenades was seen – and the clashes continued even after the army arrived.

Analysis by Zein Ja’Far, Middle East news editor

This is a dangerous and worrying escalation in Lebanon, a country already struggling to cope with multiple crises.

The scenes of snipers firing from rooftops, masked men wielding RPGs and lifeless bodies on residential streets has immediately drawn parallels to the devastating civil war which raged in the 1970s and 1980s.

There were fears of potential violence erupting when Hezbollah and Amal supporters announced yesterday they would hold a protest against the judge tasked with investigating the Beirut port blast.

But few would have predicted an escalation this severe and deadly.

It is still unclear who the gunmen firing at the group of protestors outside the Justice Palace were, but the Lebanese army and security forces say they have detained some of the men involved.

Lebanon has for years been at a dangerous tipping point.

The country has crumbled economically, plunging the majority of its population into poverty and it is politically divided.

The government – which was only recently formed after a year-long political standoff – is now at risk of collapse over the issue of the port blast investigation and the deteriorating security situation will only add to the pressure on them.

The coming hours will be crucial in deciding whether there will be further escalation or calm can be restored.

Confirming the five fatalities, the country’s interior minister Bassam Mawlawi said many of those injured were shot by snipers – adding that events were “a very dangerous sign”.

Mr Bitar is the second judge to lead the inquiry. Hezbollah have accused him of singling out politicians for questioning – most of them allied with the group.

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Demonstrators had been marching outside the Justice Palace when the violence started.

The initial cause of the gunfire is unclear, but Hezbollah claimed snipers fired at protesters from rooftops.

More on Beirut

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Beirut explosion: Protesters clash with security forces as Lebanon marks one year since blast

Beirut explosion: Officials knew risks of storing explosive materials but failed to protect public, says rights group

Related Topics:

BeirutBeirut explosionLebanon

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Gunfire has broken out in Lebanon’s capital, Beirut. Pic: AP

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It was not immediately clear what triggered the gunfire. Pic: AP

The army said in a statement that gunfire had targeted protesters as they marched down a divide between a Christian and Shia neighbourhood.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati has called for calm, while the military said it would open fire against any armed civilians on the streets.

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People have had to take cover after violence erupted. Pic: AP

The government in Lebanon is only a month old, and is already dealing with a number of crises in the country.

Beirut was plunged into a blackout after fuel stations ran dry earlier this month.

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The army has been deployed to the capital. Pic: AP

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Last year’s explosion devastated the port area of Beirut

Hundreds of tonnes of ammonium nitrate exploded on 4 August 2020 in the port of Beirut, killing at least 215 people.

The substance – which can be used as fertiliser – was stored improperly, The subsequent blast injured thousands and destroyed neighbourhoods.

Lebanon’s former caretaker prime minister, Hassan Diab, and three other ministers have been charged over the events that day.

Following Thursday’s violence, the French foreign affairs ministry called for the probe into the port explosion to be carried out in an independent and impartial manner.

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