Lebanon: Protesters in Beirut clash with security forces near parliament August 9 /update 9

Event

Protesters clashed with police in central Beirut for a second consecutive day on Sunday, August 9, amid heightened tensions in the capital. Police reportedly fired tear gas after demonstrators began throwing stones at security forces guarding a roadblock near the parliament building as they attempted to reach Nijmeh Square, although there were no immediate reports of casualties.

Sunday's clashes come a day after protesters stormed several government buildings, including the Foreign Ministry, during widespread protests in downtown Beirut. Around 10,000 people are estimated to have joined demonstrations in Martyrs' Square, which saw clashes with security forces throughout Saturday evening. More than 170 people were reported to have been injured in the unrest and at least one police officer was killed.

Further protests and clashes with security forces are likely in Beirut in the immediate term.

Context

An explosion that occurred in the Port of Beirut on August 4 killed at least 158 people, injured 6000 others, and caused billions of Lebanese Pounds in damages. The blast is believed to have been caused by 2750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, which had been unsafely stored in a port warehouse. A state of emergency was declared on Wednesday, August 5, and 20 officials responsible for the operation of the port have so far been placed under arrest.

Advice

Those in Beirut, and across Lebanon, are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.