Dozens of people angry at the dismantling of their tents and kiosks by security forces. (Screenshot from a video on X)
A major clash broke out on Wednesday evening between Syrian and Lebanese displaced persons on the one hand, and security forces on the other, on the Ain al-Mreisseh corniche in Beirut, as reported by several media outlets, including local channels LBCI and Al Jadeed.
Security forces proceeded to evacuate tents set up by these displaced persons, who had come from southern Lebanon or the Beirut's southern suburbs following the Israeli military escalation in these regions, which began on Sept. 23. An amateur video shows dozens of angry people on sidewalks or motorcycles. According to media reports and several witnesses, the Lebanese Army joined as reinforcements.
A security source contacted by L'Orient-Le Jour played down the incident, assuring us that “the security forces dismantled improvised kiosks set up illegally by displaced people, causing chaos.” “We have not worried the people who are sleeping on the spot out of necessity,” assured this source. Denying that there had been a major clash, he asserted that the army had not intervened, and that the incident was closed.
According to government estimates, over a million people have been displaced from areas subject to daily Israeli raids. Reception centers have been unable to accommodate them in the various regions.
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