Lebanese Army tanks deployed in the southern suburbs of Beirut, following gunfire during a funeral procession in Qafaat, on May 3, 2026. Photo released by the Lebanese Army.
BEIRUT — Tensions remained high Monday in Qafaat, in Beirut’s southern suburbs, a day after heavy gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades were fired during a funeral procession, prompting panic among residents.
The Lebanese Army said it had arrested one suspected shooter and seized weapons, adding that searches are ongoing.
The gunfire erupted Sunday during the funeral of Hezbollah supporters killed by Israeli strikes, alarming residents in several parts of the capital.
“The army took immediate security measures in the Qafaat area, including house searches, armored patrols, and the establishment of temporary checkpoints, following shots fired during a funeral procession,” the army said in a statement.
“Army units searched the homes of those involved, arrested one of the shooters, and seized weapons and ammunition. The confiscated equipment has been handed over to the relevant authorities, and an investigation has been opened,” it said, adding that the suspect is in custody and that efforts are ongoing to locate other gunmen.
Contacted on Monday by L'Orient Today, the army confirmed that only one person has been detained so far.
Clashes during army deployment
Tensions escalated Sunday when residents and Hezbollah supporters opposed the army’s deployment to arrest those involved. Videos circulating on social media showed dozens of men, many dressed in black and some carrying Hezbollah flags, blocking at least two army vehicles and chanting partisan slogans.
One video showed a man firing a rocket-propelled grenade toward a road in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Another widely shared clip showed a young girl holding a Kalashnikov rifle and firing into the air as cars passed nearby.
Broader security context
In August 2025, the Lebanese government pledged to disarm all non-state groups, starting with Hezbollah, and to restore the state’s monopoly on arms. In December, the army said it had completed the first phase of its plan to disarm the group south of the Litani River.
Hezbollah has since resumed operations in parts of southern Lebanon, some of which are occupied by Israeli forces that are attempting to establish a buffer zone.
In an interview on Friday, Hezbollah media relations director Youssef Zein said the group had reinforced its fighters and weapons “during the battle” in southern Lebanon since March 2. He also said he was “convinced” the Lebanese Army would not confront Hezbollah.
The government has also announced plans to make Beirut a “weapons-free” city. President Joseph Aoun has called on the army and security forces to carry out raids on arms depots.
