New rounds of fighting erupted yesterday in the Lebanese capital of Beirut. The clashes took place in the Tayouneh area, a historic demarcation line during the country's 15-year civil war (1975-1990). Heavy gunfire was heard in the morning and lasted for hours. Official sources say that at least six people were killed and dozens injured. Material damage amid a severe financial and economic crisis has also been recorded, with homes, businesses and properties heavily damaged by gunshots, explosives and fires.
The shooting was heard when a protest that had been called for by the two major Shiite parties (Amal and Hezbollah) was on its way through the area, headed towards the Palace of Justice. Demonstrators were marching against what they allege is the politicisation of the Beirut port explosion investigation by Judge Tarek Bitar. Early reports described snipers on rooftops shooting towards the demonstrators.
Bitar took charge of the investigation in February when his predecessor was removed after being accused of bias by some state officials who he had in turn accused of neglect.
