Lebanon interior minister calls emergency meeting to discuss Hezbollah protests: Report
We have been reporting on an attack on UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) personnel by what were reported to be Hezbollah supporters during protests on Friday against the Lebanese government’s decision to bar Iranian planes from landing in Beirut.
Lebanon’s state news agency NNA now reports that Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar visited two injured UNIFIL officers at St George University Hospital in the Lebanese capital.
Al-Hajjar “affirmed the Lebanese government’s rejection of this assault that is considered a crime against UNIFIL forces”, NNA reported, adding that the minister has called for an emergency meeting on the violence to be held before noon on Saturday.
US State Department condemns attack on UNIFIL convoy
We have been reporting on an attack on the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) by Hezbollah protesters in Beirut on Friday, which resulted in the injury of at least two UNIFIL peacekeepers.
The US State Department has now condemned the “violent attack”, which was reportedly carried out by Hezbollah supporters protesting the Lebanese government’s decision to block Iranian planes from landing in the capital.
“This attack resulted in multiple injuries on UN peacekeepers. We commend the swift response of the Lebanese Armed Forces to prevent further violence, and the Lebanese government’s commitment to take all necessary measures to hold individuals accountable for their actions. We extend our wishes for a swift recovery to all those affected,” it said in a statement.
Lebanon arrests over 25 after UN convoy attack
More than 25 people have been arrested by Lebanese army intelligence and another detained by security services in relation to Friday evening’s attack on the UN convoy, according to Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar.
He told reporters after an emergency security meeting that this does not mean all those arrested directly participated in the attack, adding that investigations are ongoing to find those responsible.
Hezbollah supporters protest for third day near Beirut airport
Hezbollah supporters gathered near Beirut international airport for a third day to protest over a decision to prevent two Iranian planes from landing there.
Local media reported that security forces fired tear gas to disperse the protesters and that some Lebanese soldiers were injured in scuffles.
Hezbollah protesters drew a Star of David on the road leading to the airport, as protesters accuse the Lebanese state of caving to Israeli orders by not allowing Iranian planes to land.
Earlier on Saturday, Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar said more than 25 people had been arrested after an attack by protesters on Friday on a convoy of United Nations peacekeepers that wounded two.
