A man in Beirut's southern suburbs raises a flag during a march commemorating Ashura, July 29 2023. (Credit: João Sousa/L'Orient Today)
Hezbollah announced on Sunday the death of one of its members, Samir Eid Qabbani, who was killed in a clash stemming from a "personal dispute" on Saturday night in the Hay Madi area of Beirut's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold — a joint statement by Hezbollah and Amal confirmed Qabbani's death but did not provide details of the altercation.
A video shared on social media captured the sound of heavy gunfire near a religious ceremony tent amid the 10 days of Ashoura, an annual commemoration observed by the Shiite sect.
In a joint statement, the leadership of Hezbollah and the Amal Movement expressed their condolences to the family of the deceased. They emphasized the importance of maintaining security through official forces and agencies.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Haj Samir Kabbani during this difficult time," the statement read. "We stress the necessity of ensuring security and order through the efforts of the official security forces."
According to the joint statement, the Lebanese Army intervened to stop the fight and prevent further escalation, and an investigation has been opened.
Contacted by L'Orient Today, the Lebanese army said that the death occurred due to a personal dispute without providing further details.