In Achrafieh, currency exchanger attacked by unknown assailants narrowly escapes death

An incident Thursday evening in the Fassouh neighborhood of Achrafieh, in the heart of Beirut, aligns with the multiple security incidents that have recently occurred across Lebanon. A currency exchanger working at an OMT financial services office was attacked in the street around 10 p.m., shortly after closing his shop, according to a source from the Internal Security Forces (ISF) contacted by L'Orient-Le Jour.

The man, who tried to resist his assailants, was shot but escaped death, according to the source, who indicated that it was unclear whether the assault was premeditated or if the attackers targeted the man after seeing him walking alone in the street.

This source further confirms that the Achrafieh area has experienced numerous security incidents lately but denies that the capital is a victim of "security chaos," while adding that many criminals have been arrested. They also indicated that the assault in Achrafieh is under investigation to determine the identity of its perpetrators.

An embedded video showed the coverage of the incident.

Contacted, the mukhtar of Achrafieh, Antoun Rizk, confirmed that the man, reportedly attacked by men on a scooter, survived the shots that were aimed at him and underwent several surgeries. Online information suggested otherwise, indicating that he had been killed. Rizk revealed that a second incident occurred Thursday night in Fassouh, not far from the OMT office, targeting a woman whose bag was stolen by men on a scooter. When questioned about this second incident, the ISF did not have immediate information. "We ask the security services and the municipal police to do their work," said Rizk.

"Armed robberies are multiplying in Achrafieh and the perpetrators are not being caught. We urge the security forces to double their efforts and arrest the perpetrators as soon as possible, as these incidents threaten civilian security and state authority," warned Beirut MP Ghassan Hasbani (Lebanese Forces) on X.

On Monday evening, the lifeless body of a gas station owner in Mazraat Yachouh, located on the road between Antelias and Bikfaya, in the Metn, was found tied up and thrown inside the station's restroom. The body showed signs of torture. According to a security source contacted by L'Orient-Le Jour, four station employees, of Syrian nationality, would be involved in the crime.

In mid-January, a young man suspected of having killed the owner of a car showroom in Dbayeh in the Metn, in an attempt to steal a luxury car, was arrested by the ISF.