Serious Incidents in the aftermath of the explosions in Beirut | Hundreds injured, police officer killed

Defence Redefined

Published on 09/08/2020 at 09:23

At least 728 people have been injured in clashes with the authorities in Lebanon as thousands of protesters went on the streets of central Beirut to protest against government failure that sparked Tuesday’s deadly bombings. A police officer was reportedly killed during the riots, according to a police spokesman. 

About 5,000 protesters gathered in Martyrs’ Square, in the city center, while some of them threw stones. The police, as reported by a Reuters journalist, used tear gas to break down the protesters while some of the latter tried to overcome a protective barrier for the Parliament on the street. 

Also read: Explosion in Beirut | The data and the aftermath of the disaster

Protesters shouted “people want the government to fall,” while holding banners reading “Leave, you are all murderers”.

“We want a future with dignity. We do not want the blood of the victims of the explosion to be wasted,” said Rose Shirour, one of the protesters.

On Saturday, Lebanese Prime Minister, Hassan Diab, announced that he would propose holding early parliamentary elections in the country after Tuesday’s deadly blast and clashes, saying it was the only way out of the crisis.

Also read: Cyprus and Greece on the Lebanese side | Special Unit missions in Beirut – Photo

So far the tragic account of the deadly explosions amounts to 158 dead and more than 6,000 injured. The numbers are expected to rise as search and rescue operations for the missing continue. Both Cyprus and Greece are participating in the fight against time to find the missing, with the participation of rescue teams and specially-trained dogs.

With information from CNA