News / Lebanon

Clashes between Lebanese security forces, protesters continue for 2nd day

Sunday, 09 August 2020 6:02 PM [ Last Update: Sunday, 09 August 2020 6:07 PM ]

A demonstrator throws a rock during a protest following Tuesday's blast, in Beirut, Lebanon, on August 9, 2020. (Photo by Reuters)

Clashes have erupted for the second day between Lebanese security forces and protesters angry at the government in the wake of the devastating explosion of August 4 in Beirut.

Riot police, wearing body armor and carrying batons, fired tear gas to disperse the protesters, who hurled rocks at security forces and blocked a road near the Parliament building.

The protesters are furious over the authorities’ handling of the situation in the aftermath of the blast. Public anger is also directed toward what people see as corrupt officials whose negligence led to the tragedy.

Similar violent clashes took place in central Beirut on Saturday night. Police intervened.

Thousands rally in blast-hit Beirut, police intervene

The police intervene after thousands rally in Beirut to protest the government’s handling of the aftermath of the recent huge deadly blast.

In the Martyrs’ Square, about 7,000 protesters demanded the resignation of those responsible, Reuters reported.

Nearly 730 people were wounded in the clashes.

One police officer was reported to have been killed.

On Sunday, Information Minister Manal Abdel Samad stepped down from her position, citing the failure of the government to carry out reforms as well as the explosion.

Lebanese information minister resigns amid pressure on government

Lebanon

She said the resignation was out of respect for all those who were killed, injured and still missing; and in response to the public demand for change.

At least 158 people are so far confirmed to have lost their lives, while more than 6,000 others were wounded in the powerful explosion.

The number of fatalities and those hurt is expected to rise as search and rescue operations are underway.

The blast took place in Beirut port warehouses storing highly explosive material, specifically ammonium nitrate, commonly used in both fertilizer and bombs.

One of the biggest non-nuclear explosions the world has ever seen, the explosion flattened much of the strategic port and left buildings in ruin.

A political analyst told Press TV on Sunday that countries such as France, the United States and Saudi Arabia are behind the current dire conditions in Lebanon due to sanctions they have imposed on the country. He urged protesters to ask these countries “to back off and end these sanctions on the Lebanese people.”