Army deploys to reopen roads in Khaldeh

BEIRUT — The Lebanese Army deployed heavily Tuesday afternoon to reopen roads in the Khaldeh area south of Beirut after they were blocked, reportedly by Sunni tribesmen, the state-run National News Agency reported. The NNA added that the roadblocks were erected in protest of Military Court judge Fadi Sawwan’s decision to keep suspects connected to the Aug. 1 ambush of a Hezbollah member’s funeral in custody.

Here’s what we know:

    • In August, gunmen ambushed the funeral of Hezbollah member Ali Chebli — who had been gunned down at a wedding — in the Khaldeh area, leading to an exchange of fire that left two people dead.

    • Chebli’s killing is believed to be linked to events in August 2020 when violent clashes between Hezbollah and Sunni tribesmen in Khaldeh led to the death of a 14-year-old boy from the al-Arab tribe, a Sunni clan residing in the area.

    • On Nov. 4, Sunni tribesmen closed the highway in Khaldeh and condemned in a statement the decision made by Sawan to retain in custody 21 suspects affiliated with the tribes over the clashes “while no members of Hezbollah were arrested.”