Hezbollah supporters protested in Beirut against the ban on two Iranian flights, blocking roads and burning tires. Violence erupted between protesters and the Lebanese army, coinciding with ongoing security concerns regarding flights from Iran. The Lebanese Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced plans to facilitate the return of stranded citizens while implementing heightened security measures. Israeli accusations regarding arms smuggling have further complicated the situation, prompting calls for the Lebanese government to act decisively.
On Thursday, Hezbollah supporters staged a protest in Beirut against a recent decision to prevent two Iranian planes from landing at the capital’s airport. Protesters blocked access to the airport road, burning tires and raising banners in support of Hezbollah’s former Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli air strike in September. As seen in footage from AFP, some individuals also displayed images of Iran’s slain Revolutionary Guards commander, Qassem Soleimani.
The Lebanese army was deployed to the scene due to escalating tensions, as videos surfaced showing confrontations between protesters and soldiers. Following the protest, Lebanon’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced plans to collaborate with the national airline to arrange a flight for Lebanese passengers stuck at Tehran Airport. In a statement, they indicated that additional security measures would be enforced for the airport’s safety, having previously informed airlines of necessary changes.
An official at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport revealed that the Public Works and Transport Ministry had instructed the facility to inform Iranian carrier Mahan Air that two of its flights to Beirut could not be accommodated. One such flight was scheduled for Thursday, and another for Friday, both of which were rescheduled to the following week amidst ongoing diplomatic concerns. Notably, this timing aligns with the deadline for the implementation of a ceasefire agreement signed on November 27, concluding a year-long conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
During the unrest, a video emerged of a stranded Lebanese traveler at Tehran Airport urging fellow citizens to block the route to Beirut Airport to demand action from allied leaders like parliament speaker Nabih Berri. Saeed Chalandri, CEO of Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Airport, stated that the flight to Beirut was organized but did not receive necessary permission from the Lebanese authorities. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee accused Iran’s Quds Force and Hezbollah of exploiting civilian flights into Beirut for smuggling funds tied to arms.
Israel maintains that Hezbollah uses the airport to facilitate weapon transfers from Iran, claims that both Hezbollah and Lebanese officials deny. Authorities have reportedly increased monitoring and inspections at the airport. Past incidents, such as an Iranian plane carrying a diplomatic delegation facing inspection, have incited backlash from Hezbollah supporters while being welcomed by those critical of the group. Hezbollah lawmaker Ibrahim Al Moussawi condemned Israeli threats towards the airport, urging the Lebanese government to act and ensure citizens’ prompt return without succumbing to external pressure.
Hezbollah supporters protested in Beirut against the barring of Iranian planes, expressing their discontent through road blockades and tire burnings. The incident coincides with increased scrutiny of flights from Iran to Lebanon, following allegations of arms smuggling. Amid these tensions, Lebanese officials are working to facilitate the return of stranded citizens while maintaining airport security procedures. Claims of outside influence and threats have surfaced, highlighting the delicate balance of power and regional politics.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
