Lebanon: Protests possible near the Port of Beirut Feb. 4

Event

Protests marking the 18 month anniversary of the 2020 Port of Beirut explosion remain a possibility Feb. 4. Gatherings have previously occurred near the Statue of the Immigrant in front of the capital’s Port of Beirut, but are also possible at government buildings and public squares.

Authorities will likely maintain heightened security near the port. Officials will likely monitor protests and may try to break up gatherings that occur. Clashes between protesters and police are possible, especially if security personnel use force to disperse gatherings. Protests and security responses may prompt localized transport disruptions.

Context

Feb. 4 marks the 18 month anniversary of the Beirut Port explosion. On Aug. 4, 2020, an explosion in the port killed 218, injured over 7,000, and caused an estimated USD 15 billion in damage. The blast was caused by improperly stored ammonium nitrate that had been sitting in the port for six years after being confiscated by authorities. However, an investigation into the blast has made little progress amid resistance from politicians.

Advice

Avoid protests due to possible violence. If clashes break out, leave the area immediately. Adhere to all security personnel instructions. Allow additional travel time near gatherings. Follow local media sources for updates on protests and road conditions, as organizers may not announce details in advance.