Shafaq News/ Protesters blocked theroad leading to Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport on Thursday inresponse to the airport authorities’ decision to refuse entry to an Iranianflight carrying dozens of Lebanese passengers.
The demonstrators set fire to tires,creating roadblocks, while tensions rose during clashes with Lebanese militarypersonnel who attempted to clear the route.
Protesters are demanding that theIranian flight be allowed to land at the airport like any other flight. Theyargue that the Lebanese authorities' decision followed Israeli accusations ofIran and Hezbollah using civilian flights to smuggle money for weaponspurchases.
Videos circulating on social mediashowed Lebanese passengers stranded at Tehran’s airport after Beirut refused toallow the Iranian flight, operated by Mahan Air, to land, despite priorauthorization being granted.
The situation has sparked widespreadanger and confusion among the Lebanese public, with calls for urgent governmentaction. Reports suggest the Lebanese government may send a national carrierflight to Tehran to bring the passengers home.
Israeli army spokesman AvichayAdraee claimed that the refusal was part of efforts to prevent weapon smugglingto Hezbollah, vowing that Israel would not allow such activities.
Since October 2024, the Lebanesearmy has been overseeing aircraft operations at the airport, includingtakeoffs, landings, and inspections, in an attempt to prevent any violationsthat Israel might use as a justification to disrupt aviation.
Lebanese politicians, particularlythose opposed to Hezbollah, have long accused the group of controlling vitalfacilities, including the airport, for weapon and money smuggling from Iran.
Under the ceasefire agreement thattook effect in November 2024 between Israel and Lebanon, the Lebanesegovernment has been granted authority over all crossings in the country,including regulating arms imports.
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