Beirut Witnesses More Protests against Iranian Flight Crisis, Undisciplined Rioters Attack UNIFIL Vehicle
Hundreds of demonstrators in Beirut continued on Friday protesting against the aviation authorities' decision to prevent the Iranian plane Mahan, carrying Lebanese passengers, from landing at Rafik Hariri Airport after a threat issued by the Israeli enemy to target he flight.
The airport road in addition to a number of key ways in the downtown of the capital were cut off by the protesters who burned tires and chanted slogans that reject the Zionist violations and demand that the Lebanese authorities challenge them.
According to the latest reports, Beirut airport road was reopened. Al-Manar correspondent indicated that undisciplined rioters attacked a UNIFIL vehicle which was denounced by the peaceful protesters.
According to a statement from UNIFIL, the outgoing Deputy Force Commander, who was en route home after completing his mission, sustained injuries in the assault.
'We are shocked by this outrageous attack on peacekeepers who have been serving to restore security and stability to south Lebanon during a difficult time,' the statement read.
UNIFIL has called on Lebanese authorities to conduct a full and immediate investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Beirut downtown protests against Iranian flight crisis#مطار_بيروت pic.twitter.com/8e04V8dEhH
— ManarWeb (@WebManar) February 14, 2025
The Lebanese Army issued on Friday a statement which mentions that several areas, especially the vicinity of Rafik Hariri International Airport, are witnessing protests that include attacks on army personnel and vehicles belonging to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and attempts to close the airport road.
The Army Command warned citizens against continuing these practices, which could create internal tension with dire consequences during the critical stage the country is going through.
The military units continued to carry out security maintenance missions, and will work firmly to prevent any violation of civil peace and arrest those who disturb security, according to the statement.
Lebanese army reinforcements reach Beirut airport road#مطار_بيروت pic.twitter.com/mFeoKD14YR
— ManarWeb (@WebManar) February 14, 2025
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport confirmed on Friday that it was closely monitoring the situation regarding the Iranian aircraft and the repatriation of Lebanese citizens. In an official statement, the ministry outlined the ongoing efforts to facilitate their return.
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