Skip to main content

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.
JOSEPH EID/AFP via Getty Images

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. 

Background: The Lebanese crisis began in 2019 and has been marked by rampant inflation, the collapse of the national currency, food and medicine shortages and political paralysis. The international community is reluctant to provide substantial aid to Lebanon without major corruption and governance reforms. 

President Michel Aoun’s term ended in October and parliament has been unable to agree on a successor since. International and domestic inquiries into Central Bank chief Riad Salameh, who has been accused of massive embezzlement, have yet to yield results. 

Why it matters: Protests have occurred throughout the Lebanese crisis. In February, angry mobs burned several banks in Beirut in response to the currency devaluing. Protesters also regularly block roads. 

Wednesday was not the first time members of the security forces have joined the protests. Late last month, police stormed a bank in southern Lebanon demanding payment of their salaries. 

The Lebanese military is suffering from desertions due to the soldiers’ salaries being devalued by the currency collapse. 

Know more: The Lebanese pound traded at 114,000 to the dollar on Wednesday, according to the Lira Rate website. The currency hit the then all-time low of more than 100,000 to the dollar last week and has fallen even further since then. 

Join hundreds of Middle East professionals with Al-Monitor PRO.

Business and policy professionals use PRO to monitor the regional economy and improve their reports, memos and presentations. Try it for free and cancel anytime.

Already a Member? Sign in

Free

The Middle East's Best Newsletters

Join over 50,000 readers who access our journalists dedicated newsletters, covering the top political, security, business and tech issues across the region each week.
Delivered straight to your inbox.

Free

What's included:
Our Expertise

Free newsletters available:

  • The Takeaway & Week in Review
  • Middle East Minute (AM)
  • Daily Briefing (PM)
  • Business & Tech Briefing
  • Security Briefing
  • Gulf Briefing
  • Israel Briefing
  • Palestine Briefing
  • Turkey Briefing
  • Iraq Briefing
Expert

Premium Membership

Join the Middle East's most notable experts for premium memos, trend reports, live video Q&A, and intimate in-person events, each detailing exclusive insights on business and geopolitical trends shaping the region.

$25.00 / month
billed annually

Become Member Start with 1-week free trial
What's included:
Our Expertise AI-driven

Memos - premium analytical writing: actionable insights on markets and geopolitics.

Live Video Q&A - Hear from our top journalists and regional experts.

Special Events - Intimate in-person events with business & political VIPs.

Trend Reports - Deep dive analysis on market updates.

All premium Industry Newsletters - Monitor the Middle East's most important industries. Prioritize your target industries for weekly review:

  • Capital Markets & Private Equity
  • Venture Capital & Startups
  • Green Energy
  • Supply Chain
  • Sustainable Development
  • Leading Edge Technology
  • Oil & Gas
  • Real Estate & Construction
  • Banking

We also offer team plans. Please send an email to pro.support@al-monitor.com and we'll onboard your team.

Already a Member? Sign in

Security Briefing Security Briefing

Security Briefing

Middle East defense and security in your inbox

Trend Reports

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (4th R) attends a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping (3rd L) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on February 22, 2019. (Photo by HOW HWEE YOUNG / POOL / AFP) (Photo credit should read HOW HWEE YOUNG/AFP via Getty Images)
Premium

From roads to routers: The future of China-Middle East connectivity

A general view shows the solar plant in Uyayna, north of Riyadh, on March 29, 2018. - On March 27, Saudi announced a deal with Japan's SoftBank to build the world's biggest solar plant. (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE / AFP) (Photo credit should read FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images)
Premium

Regulations on Middle East renewable energy industry starting to take shape

Start your PRO membership today.

Join the Middle East's top business and policy professionals to access exclusive PRO insights today.

Join Al-Monitor PRO Start with 1-week free trial