Violence in Southern Beirut

Posted: 08/08/2013

RPS advises that you should avoid the southern Beirut area of Laylake for the immediate future.  At least one person was killed yesterday and another eight wounded during clashes between rival families in this part of the city.

The violence was subsequently halted by the Lebanese armed forces but not before property was damaged in the area. Security forces managed to restore calm but an estimated 70 armed gunmen from one of the families still stormed the Saint Therese Hospital in the nearby Hadath area.

The specific motivation for the clashes and storming of the hospital are unclear at the moment. Disputes between rival armed families or clans are regularly reported in Lebanon. Normally Incidents have occurred in the eastern Bekaa governorate; however, disputes and confrontations occasionally spill over into major cities and towns, such as Beirut.

Tensions between the two families now remains high and the risk of further clashes is likely, including in the capital. 

RPS advises travellers to this area to avoid the parts of the city where the violence took place.

Contact us at [email protected] for more advice on travel to this country or region.  One of our RPS consultants has just returned from a task in Lebanon.

 

Photo: dailystar.com.lb

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