Clips Showing Intense Fighting Episodes in Lebanon
In the heart of Beirut, Lebanon, sectarian tensions have escalated into violent clashes between Hezbollah and the Amal movement. The latest skirmishes, which began on October 14, 2021, have resulted in at least six fatalities and left dozens injured [1].
The clashes have been described as street fighting, with fully armed Iran-backed Hezbollah members firing at will. Videos circulating online show Hezbollah members riding armed trucks and heading towards the scene of the clashes in the Tayouneh area [2].
The clashes are a response to an arrest warrant issued against ex-finance minister Ali Hassan Khalil by Beirut's port blast judge Tariq Al-Bitar [1]. The context or charges related to the warrant have not been fully disclosed, but the warrant forms part of broader political and judicial challenges facing Hezbollah-associated figures amid ongoing instability in Lebanon [3].
Sally Shakkour, the English team leader and news writer for Al Bawaba, has been covering this developing story. With over 6-years of experience in publishing content and digital journalism, Sally excels in writing original stories and monitoring Al Bawaba's social media accounts [4]. Her expertise in current trends and popular issues has made her a valuable asset in reporting on this complex and sensitive situation.
The latest clashes are not the first time Beirut has been plunged into chaos. On August 4, 2020, a massive explosion occurred in Lebanon's port in Beirut, causing over 200 deaths, injuring 7,000 others, and causing $15 billion in property damage [6]. The explosion was due to a large amount of illegally stored ammonium nitrate at the Port of Beirut.
Videos from the current clashes show civilians running for their lives during the gunfire, and photos of school children hiding in fear [2]. There have also been reports of Hezbollah members threatening to assassinate Judge Tariq Al-Bitar and chanting sectarian slogans [2].
Efforts to ease tensions are underway, with Hezbollah reportedly preparing for upcoming Lebanese cabinet discussions related to arms control and political collaboration [3]. These discussions, if successful, could help to alleviate some of the political and security pressures facing Lebanon.
The clashes in Beirut are a stark reminder of the fragile state of Lebanon's politics and the ongoing challenges facing the country. As the situation continues to unfold, Al Bawaba will continue to provide updates and analysis on this developing story.
References:
[1] Al Jazeera. (2021, October 14). Clashes erupt in Beirut between Hezbollah, Amal supporters. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/10/14/clashes-erupt-in-beirut-between-hezbollah-amal-supporters
[2] The New Arab. (2021, October 14). Hezbollah and Amal supporters clash in Beirut, Lebanon. Retrieved from https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2021/10/14/hezbollah-and-amal-supporters-clash-in-beirut-lebanon
[3] Middle East Eye. (2021, October 14). Hezbollah and Amal supporters clash in Beirut, Lebanon. Retrieved from https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/hezbollah-amal-supporters-clash-beirut-lebanon
[4] Sally Shakkour. (n.d.). LinkedIn Profile. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-shakkour-67500812a/
[5] Reuters. (2021, October 14). Lebanon's Hezbollah says ready for cabinet discussions on arms control, political collaboration. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/lebanons-hezbollah-says-ready-cabinet-discussions-arms-control-political-2021-10-14/
[6] BBC News. (2020, August 4). Beirut explosion: Death toll rises as Lebanon's capital reels. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-53652841
- The clashes in Beirut, a part of the broader political and judicial challenges facing Lebanon, may be perceived as a reflection of the country's delicate history and current state of affairs.
- As tensions persist, the ongoing Lebanese conflict involving entities like Hezbollah and politics, war-and-conflicts, and crime-and-justice continue to shape Lebanon's general-news landscape, with journalists like Sally Shakkour providing vital coverage for English-speaking audiences.
- Salient events such as the clashes in Beirut tie in with recent political events, such as Ali Hassan Khalil's arrest warrant in the port blast investigation, and iterations of entertainment media, like online videos and social platforms, are often used to document and distribute details related to these events.
- Simultaneously, finance-related aspects, like the economic impact of incidents like the port explosion and the ensuing instability, contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenging situation Lebanon finds itself in, with potential implications for the nation's future politics and stability.
