According to the international news agency AFP, both UN and Lebanese officials have condemned the attack, which took place on Friday. The incident occurred as Hezbollah supporters blocked the main road to the country’s only international airport in protest against the decision to prevent two Iranian flights from landing.
An AFP correspondent reported that security forces used tear gas to disperse the crowd. However, following a call for a sit-in by the Iran-backed group, demonstrators once again blocked access to the airport.
Over 25 Arrested, Investigation Underway
Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar told reporters that Lebanese military intelligence had arrested more than 25 people, while another individual was taken into custody by security services.
He emphasized that the arrests did not necessarily mean that those detained were responsible for the attack, adding that the investigation would determine the culprits.
UN Calls for Full Investigation
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has called for a complete and immediate investigation into the attack, which resulted in a UN vehicle being set on fire.
Among the injured was Deputy Force Commander Brigadier General Chok Bahadur Dhakal, who was on his way back to Nepal after completing his service.
Lebanese Leaders Vow Action
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun vowed that those responsible for the attack would be punished, stating that security forces would not tolerate any attempts to destabilize the country or disturb civil peace.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also stressed that freedom of expression is essential, but when it leads to road blockades and attacks on public and private property, security forces must respond to such unrest.
The Lebanese army reported that the protests and acts of vandalism had spread to several areas near the airport, including attacks on military personnel and vehicles.
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