Lebanon: Police officers shot dead in Kaftoun (Koura district) August 21

Event

Unidentified gunmen killed several people in the Koura district village of Kaftoun in northern Lebanon on the night of Friday, August 21. The two police officers and a civilian were reported to have been shot after they stopped a suspicious vehicle on the outskirts of the village for violating the 18:00 to 06:00 (local time) curfew brought in in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The vehicle was later found nearby with a firearm and a small explosive device inside. However, the identity of the attackers and the circumstances behind the shooting remain unclear.

Security operations are likely in the Kaftoun area in the near term, with an associated risk of localized disruption.

Context

The Lebanese government introduced a nationwide 18:00 to 06:00 curfew on August 21 as part of a two-week lockdown following an increase in COVID-19 cases in the country. The emergency measures are expected to remain in place until September 3, with non-essential businesses across the country, including markets, gyms, shopping centers, and sports facilities, remaining closed during this period.

Advice

Those in the Koura district are advised to monitor developments, anticipate disruption from ongoing security operations, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.