Hezbollah supporters protested in Beirut after Lebanese authorities blocked an Iranian flight. The decision left passengers stranded, leading to roadblocks and clashes with security personnel. The incident has ignited controversy in Lebanon, highlighting Hezbollah’s resistance against government actions and Iran’s influence in the region.
On Thursday, tensions escalated in Beirut when Hezbollah supporters obstructed access to Rafic Hariri International Airport in response to the Lebanese authorities blocking an Iranian Mahan Air flight. Protesters rallied with Hezbollah flags and images of their leaders, igniting tires and chanting against the government’s actions.
The Iranian flight, planned to arrive from Tehran, was denied landing clearance by Lebanon’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation. A Lebanese airport official confirmed that the Ministry of Public Works and Transport had directed the airport to deny Mahan Air from landing on both Thursday and Friday, though no specific reason was provided.
As a result of the cancellations, passengers were stranded at both Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran and Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, causing significant frustration. Following these events, a group of Hezbollah supporters protested, blocking roads leading to the airport, which led to clashes with security forces attempting to restore order.
The incident at Rafic Hariri International Airport highlights the ongoing political tensions in Lebanon, fueled by Iranian influence and Hezbollah’s response to perceived affronts against their operations. With increasing pressures from Hezbollah supporters and minimal communication from the Lebanese government, the situation poses challenges for maintaining stability in the region. This episode exemplifies the complexity of Lebanon’s fragile political landscape and the potential ramifications of Iranian involvement through proxies.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
