Lebanese Army Forces Protesters Out of Central Squares and Streets in Beirut

Lebanese army units arrived at the scene of unrest in downtown Beirut, forcing protesters out of central squares and streets adjacent to the parliament building, reports RIA Novosti.

The demonstration near the parliament swiftly escalated into chaos, with protesters hurling stones and explosives at law enforcement officials and attempting to breach the barriers set up in front of the parliament.

Protesters vandalized traffic lights and destroyed surveillance cameras mounted on office buildings. In response, police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd.

After the arrival of military special equipment, clashes shifted to Beirut's main Square of the Fallen, where some protesters set fire to the first floor of the An-Nahar newspaper's headquarters.

At this moment, clashes and disturbances have ceased. All central squares and the streets leading to them are under the control of the army. According to Lebanese MTV, around 20 people were injured as a result of the confrontations.