Lebanese soldiers in October 2023. (Credit: Joseph Eid/AFP)
The Lebanese Army announced Thursday that it had arrested eight people suspected of firing guns into the air on Sunday following the announcement of preliminary municipal election results in the northern and Akkar governorates.
The heavy gunfire, which erupted after the release of the initial results, seriously wounded a young man and slightly injured LBCI journalist Nada Andraos. It also caused significant material damage, notably to the electrical network.
Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam strongly condemned the so-called celebratory gunfire. On Monday, the army had already reported the arrest of 35 suspected shooters in connection with the incidents.
In its statement Thursday, the army said it had raided the homes of several individuals, arresting eight people and seizing weapons and ammunition. The statement did not specify where the raids took place.
Numerous other incidents marked the second day of voting in Lebanon’s first municipal elections since 2016, including brawls and allegations of fraud.
Celebratory gunfire is a common practice in Lebanon — during weddings, funerals, and political events — and frequently results in injuries or fatalities. Parliament on Thursday passed legislation to increase penalties for those who engage in the practice.