Gunfire Hits Car of Lebanon’s Defense Minister in Beirut
Gunfire struck the car of Lebanon’s caretaker Defense Minister Maurice Sleem on Thursday afternoon as he was driving in a convoy near Beirut. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident that occurred in the Jisr Al-Basha area, located in the eastern suburbs of Beirut.
The incident coincided with the funeral of a Hezbollah member who died in Kahaleh on Wednesday night. Intense gunfire erupted during the procession at a Hezbollah-affiliated cemetery in El-Ghbaire, in the southern suburbs of Beirut, approximately 1 km from Jisr Al-Basha.
While both the Lebanese Army and the Internal Security Forces denied any knowledge of an assassination attempt, specialized security agencies initiated investigations into the incident. The investigations were launched 15 hours after a truck belonging to Hezbollah overturned on the Kahaleh road, resulting in gunfire between Hezbollah members and villagers. Two people lost their lives in the altercation.
The Lebanese Army successfully lifted the overturned truck and reopened the road in both directions. It was confirmed that the truck was carrying ammunition, which was subsequently transported to a military facility.
In response to the incident, security measures remained in place in Kahaleh and on the main road connecting Beirut to the Bekaa Valley. Soldiers and military vehicles were stationed at various points in adjacent areas to ensure peace and stability.
Local residents have been making continuous efforts to calm the situation since the incident occurred. However, tensions remain high as people are resentful and angry about the events that transpired. The Lebanese Kataeb Party leader and MP, Sami Gemayel, expressed concern about Lebanon’s dangerous position and the need for change.
Gemayel emphasized that Lebanon cannot continue in its current state, with arms outside the framework of the government controlled by militias and individuals. He called for action to address this issue and restore stability to the country.
Reformist MP Michel Douaihy echoed Gemayel’s sentiments, stating that the incident symbolizes the fallen state and its institutions. He emphasized the urgent need for the government to regain control and conduct thorough investigations to uncover the truth.
The Free Patriotic Movement also expressed alarm over the incident, highlighting the impending danger that threatens the deteriorating state and society. The movement called on the state’s security and judicial agencies to take charge, conduct inquiries, and prevent any attempts to incite further tension.
MP Ashraf Rifi, representing the Sovereign Front, criticized the government for losing its legitimacy and allowing weapons to be used against its own citizens. He questioned the classification of these weapons as resistance weapons when they are aimed at the Lebanese people.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Lebanon and the urgent need for reforms. The country is grappling with political instability, economic crisis, and the presence of armed groups outside the control of the government.
To restore peace and stability, it is crucial for Lebanon to address these issues and establish a strong and effective government that can maintain law and order. The incident involving the Defense Minister highlights the vulnerability of even high-ranking officials in the current volatile situation.
Lebanon must work towards disarming militias, strengthening state institutions, and promoting dialogue and reconciliation among different factions. Only through these efforts can Lebanon hope to overcome its current challenges and build a brighter future for its people.