Violent clashes erupt in Lebanon 'between supporters of Saad Hariri and his brother'

Local reports suggesting the violence was sparked between supporters of ex-PM and leader of the Future Movement Saad Hariri and his brother Bahaa Hariri.

MENA

1 min read

The New Arab Staff

08 September, 2020

The incident was sparked between supporters of Saad Hariri and his brother Bahaa Hariri [Getty]

At least one person was killed and several others injured after armed clashes erupted in a Beirut nieghbourhood late on Monday.

Local reports suggested the violent incident was sparked between supporters of ex-PM and leader of the Future Movement Saad Hariri and his brother Bahaa Hariri.

The clashes took place in Al-Tariq al-Jadideh, where heavy gunfire was heard and at least one RPG was used, according to a National News Agency report.

The army intervened to contain the violence, making several arrests, according to an army statement.

Bahaa Hariri released a statement condemning the violence and calling for an investigation into the incident.

Following the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, the family announced that Saad would assume Hariri's political mantle - skipping over Bahaa, who is several years his senior.

Bahaa, 54, a businessman with close ties to Saudi Arabia, runs businesses in real estate and investment, with a fortune of about $2 billion.

Having been sidelined and relatively silent for 15 years, Bahaa has been using Lebanon's protest movement to enter politics, siding with his brother's rivals.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay connected