Lebanon police clashes with retired soldiers trying to storm government HQ
The Lebanese army is suffering from desertions and police have joined the wider public in protesting amid the ongoing crisis.
Lebanese security forces fired tear gas during clashes with retired soldiers at a protest in Beirut on Wednesday who were trying to storm the government headquarters in downtown Beirut. The incident was the latest manifestation of public anger as the Lebanese economic crisis continues unabated.
The incident occurred outside the headquarters, known as the Grand Serail. The protesters were mainly retired soldiers and were demonstrating against their low pensions and the poor economic conditions in the country.
“My monthly salary is $40. How can I survive?” one protester shouted, according to the Lebanese news outlet Naharnet.
Some of the protesters tried to break through the fence leading to the building. Security forces then used tear gas on the crowd, Lebanon’s official National News Agency reported.
