BEIRUT, Lebanon – Tensions flared in Beirut as violent protests erupted over an attack on a UN peacekeeping convoy heading to the airport, resulting in the arrest of at least 25 individuals. The incident, which included masked men bearing Hezbollah banners and Iranian flags, culminated in the setting of one of the convoy vehicles on fire.
Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar disclosed during an emergency meeting that Lebanese authorities had detained over 25 people in connection to the attack, with one being interrogated by the Information Division of the Internal Security Forces. Hajjar emphasized that the actions taken against the UNIFIL convoy, including setting up roadblocks and damaging public and private property, are considered punishable offenses under the law.
In the aftermath of the protests, Lebanese troops bolstered patrols in Beirut’s southern suburbs to quell further unrest following the airport road altercation. The protests stemmed from the frustration over the refusal of landing permission for an Iranian aircraft on Thursday, along with the suspension of permits for Iranian flights until mid-February.
While Hezbollah and the Amal Movement distanced themselves from the attack, condemning the perpetrators as “infiltrators,” officials at both national and international levels swiftly denounced the violence. Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun condemned the incident as unacceptable and stressed the security forces’ commitment to maintaining stability and civil peace.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam ordered a security crackdown to identify and apprehend those responsible for the violence, emphasizing their referral to judicial authorities. Acting army chief Maj. Gen. Hassan Ouda underscored the gravity of the attack, vowing that justice will be served for the perpetrators.
The incident also prompted efforts to repatriate Lebanese passengers stranded in Tehran due to the flight suspensions between the two countries. Iran’s refusal to permit Lebanese Middle East Airlines to land in Tehran exacerbated tensions, with Israel alleging Iran’s use of civilian aircraft for nefarious purposes.
Foreign diplomatic efforts were underway, with Lebanon’s Foreign Minister engaging with UNIFIL officials to affirm the country’s commitment to supporting the mission. The US State Department condemned the attack on the UNIFIL convoy as an act carried out by Hezbollah supporters, commending the Lebanese government’s swift response to prevent further violence. The French Foreign Ministry echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the attack could constitute a war crime.