Authorities say six people were killed and several were injured in what became known as the Cold War on Thursday. Moreover, many recalled in those moments the civil war of 1975-90. Even then, the attack was carried out with pistols, automatic rifles and rocket-propelled grenades. Fighting erupted in the capital on Thursday to commemorate the clashes.
‘There was gunfire in Beirut for hours. Ambulances rushed to pick up the injured. Many of the attackers hid in buildings and opened fire. The bullets pierced the windows of the apartment in the area. It was a day of total commotion and tears in Beirut, ” the Associated Press reported.
Beirut as a blood cell
Hezbollah and Amal were calling for a protest near the Justice Palace, which is located in a Christian area. But right-wing Christian Lebanese forces rallied their supporters on Wednesday evening following calls from both groups. Various media outlets reported that videos of them marching through the streets carrying large crosses could be seen circulating on social media.
This was followed by clashes and shootings between Muslim and Christian communities in Beirut. Meanwhile, the army deployed in large numbers and patrolled to find the gunmen.
The bomber struck shortly after noon in front of a gathering of U.S. Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Victoria Nuland. So they had to give up the discussion. He also told the media at the Victoria Nuland Airport that there was an impartial judiciary in Lebanon that guaranteed all rights and that the violence perpetrated by Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations was not justified.
At the same time, Prime Minister Najib Mikati said in a statement that the Lebanese people should not be dragged into civil strife.
Beirut blast and investigation
Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group, says an investigation into the port blast 14 months ago has not reached anywhere and the culprits have not been identified. Therefore, they say, the judge in charge of the current investigation should be replaced.
The port blast on August 4, 2020 literally led to serious problems in Lebanon. The country collapsed economically, leading to energy crises, power cuts, extreme inflation and poverty.
But political observers say the armed conflict, even before Lebanon’s recession begins, could further complicate a month – long government of excellence. Hezbollah also demanded the removal of the judge in charge of the investigation. As part of this, a minister and other cabinet members allied with Hezbollah staged a protest and canceled the meeting.
At the same time, there are widespread allegations that political interference is hindering the progress of the investigation. The families of the victims of the blast have made similar allegations. This is because France has voluntarily launched an investigation into the deaths of French nationals in the bombings, but some political leaders have consistently rejected international investigations.
Judge Fadi Sawana was initially tasked with investigating the Beirut bombing. However, he was removed from office when he turned against the government, citing negligence as the cause of the blast. Tarek Bittar was appointed as the second judge in the same case. He began the investigation from where Sawan had stopped.
Despite numerous obstacles, Tarek Bithar has completed more than 75 percent of his cases, according to a source close to the Lebanese Criminal Court. The source had earlier said that he has a complete picture of what happened and hopes that Tarek Bithar will be able to reveal his findings by the end of this year.
However, many are worried that the questioning, which has been called by high-ranking politicians, will be a blow to the BJP.
‘Tarek Bittar is a good judge with a good reputation. But it is doubtful whether he will be able to carry out his mission successfully without political interference. Perhaps if he does not confine his investigation to the red tape and move it to a higher level, it remains to be seen whether Tarek will replace Bithar as he did with Sawan, who initially led the investigation. ‘ – Said Nisar Sageeh, Executive Director of the Legal Agenda.
Moreover, the situation is likely to put pressure on the government as the minister and other cabinet members allied with Hezbollah raise protests demanding the removal of the judge.
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