Lebanon: Five people killed during armed clashes in Khalde south of Beirut, Aug. 1 /update 1

Event

Armed clashes erupted between Hizballah supporters and a rival group in Khalde south of Beirut, Aug. 1. The skirmish occurred during the funeral of Hizballah member Ali Chebli who had been killed overnight in a revenge shooting. At least five people, including three Hizballah supporters, were killed when the funeral procession came under fire, with an unspecified number of other individuals being injured. Lebanese security forces have deployed to the area in an effort to restore order, warning that troops will open fire on any armed individuals in the area.

Authorities will maintain heightened security measures, including possible roadblocks and other movement restrictions, in Khalde until it becomes clear that the potential for further violence has abated. Localized transport and business disruptions are likely in the surrounding area as investigations continue. Additional clashes remain possible over the coming days.

Context

Chelbi was killed at a wedding during the night of July 31 by a member of Khalde’s Sunni Arab tribes. The shooter has been identified as the brother of an individual who had been killed in a bout of sectarian violence in the town in 2020. Sectarian tensions between the town’s mixed Shi’a and Sunni population remains heightened; the possibility for further escalation remains.

Advice

Avoid the area until the situation stabilizes. Heed the instructions of local security personnel. Reconfirm the status of roads, notably the Beirut-Saida Highway, if traveling south of Beirut through Aug. 2.