Report: Military Says Determined to Thwart 'Sabotage' Schemes

In the wake of protests and riots triggered by an economic crisis in Lebanon, the security and military bodies warned against attempts to “sabotage” civil peace or pit the people against the army vowing to foil such "schemes", al-Joumhouria daily reported on Thursday.

A senior security source who spoke on condition of anonymity, told the daily: “The situation is very delicate, the army will foil any attempt to sabotage security, we will be on the lookout and are fully prepared to thwart such goals.”

The source, who spoke without being named because he is not authorized to speak to the public, pointed to what he described as a very “dangerous” situation in the country, mainly after what happened in the northern city of Tripoli.

He said: “We have already sounded the alarm and warned all political forces of the entities trying to trigger chaos and drive the country to bad consequences. We warned against road blockages and attacks at private and public property. The right to peaceful demonstrations and expression of opinion is preserved, but threatening civil peace is not. The army and security forces will not tolerate attempts to sabotage peace.”

The source however emphasized that political forces are “keen for the army” and refuse to provide any political cover for “aggressors.”

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Hassan Diab said that authorities have “full reports about the sides that are inciting riots,” in the wake of days of violent protests that have rocked the country.

“The rioting that is taking place and the attempt to pit the people against the army are indications of a malicious plan,” said Diab during a cabinet session at the Grand Serail.

Hundreds of protesters in Lebanon's northern city of Tripoli clashed with troops until late Tuesday night leaving several injured on both sides in some of the most serious riots triggered by an economic crisis spiraling out of control amid a weeks-long virus lockdown.

Dozens of protesters gathered outside the central bank headquarters in the capital Beirut throwing stones toward the building before Lebanese soldiers dispersed them. Protesters in other parts of Lebanon cut major roads including the highway linking Beirut with southern Lebanon.

In Tripoli on Tuesday, protesters set fire to two banks and hurled stones at soldiers who responded with tear gas and batons in renewed clashes triggered by an economic crisis, crash of the local currency and a sharp increase in prices of consumer goods.

Smaller protests also erupted elsewhere in Lebanon, including in Beirut's city center, where hundreds of demonstrators gathered Tuesday evening.