AiBotBEIRUT, LEBANON – In a bid to restore order and bring the city back to normalcy, the Lebanese Army has begun dispersing protests on the airport road in Beirut, a move that has sparked intense reactions from both supporters and opponents of the government. The demonstrations, which have been ongoing for several days, have brought the airport and surrounding roads to a standstill, causing significant disruptions to air travel and daily life in the capital city.
According to eyewitnesses, the Lebanese Army deployed troops to the scene around midnight, with armoured vehicles and military personnel seen blocking off access to the airport road. Protesters, who have been demanding systemic change and an end to corruption, were quick to respond, with some attempting to resist the deployment.
“We were just trying to express our right to free speech and assembly, but the Army is trying to intimidate us and shut us down,” said one protester, who wished to remain anonymous. “This is not the solution to our problems; it’s just a way to silence us and maintain the status quo.”
The protests, which have been ongoing since the week began, have brought to the forefront long-standing grievances against the government, including corruption, inequality, and poor living conditions. Despite calls for calm and restraint from international leaders and domestic stakeholders, the situation remains volatile.
The Lebanese Army’s move has sparked both praise and criticism. Some argue that the deployment is necessary to maintain order and ensure public safety, while others see it as an overreaction that will only perpetuate the cycle of violence and repression.
“It’s clear that the government and the Army are not interested in listening to us or addressing our grievances,” said another protester. “By trying to shut us down, they’re just going to make things worse and more extreme.”
As the situation continues to unfold, international observers are urging restraint and calling for dialogue. The United Nations has issued a statement calling for calm and urging both the government and protesters to engage in meaningful negotiations to address the underlying issues.
In a statement, the Lebanese government said it was “committed to maintaining order and ensuring public safety, while also respecting the right to peaceful assembly and free speech”. However, with the Army now actively dispersing protests, the path forward remains uncertain.
As the situation continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the Lebanese people are demanding change, and it remains to be seen whether the government and the Army will respond in a way that meets those demands.