Military and security forces in Beirut conducted raids Saturday in the Zuqaq al-Blat area, searching for armed individuals who took part in an Ashura rally the previous day. This operation follows widespread condemnation of video footage showing masked men with machine guns marching through city streets.


The incident has intensified international pressure on Hezbollah to disarm, aligning with ceasefire agreements and UN Resolution 1701. It also comes ahead of US envoy Thomas Barrack's Monday visit to Beirut, where he'll receive Lebanon's response to a Washington-backed disarmament proposal.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam quickly denounced these "armed shows" as "unacceptable," urging law enforcement and judicial authorities to take immediate action against those involved. Other Members of Parliament echoed his condemnation, emphasizing the need for state authority and an end to unlicensed weapons in Beirut.

The display of arms raised serious concerns about public safety and the state's capacity to enforce its authority, especially as Lebanon strives for a lasting ceasefire with Israel. Such armed parades haven't been seen in the capital since violent clashes in May 2008.

A joint committee is currently awaiting Hezbollah's official position on disarmament before finalizing Lebanon's response to the US proposal. US envoy Barrack expressed optimism, stating this is a "historic moment" for Lebanon to achieve unity and become "One country, one people, one army."

Despite some reports suggesting Hezbollah's commitment to implementing the ceasefire and discussing its weapons within a defense strategy, Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem reaffirmed the group's intent to retain its arms, stressing their right to resist Israeli occupation.

Source: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2606967/middle-east