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Syria crisis hits Beirut - live updates Syria crisis hits Beirut - live updates
(40 minutes later)
12.35pm: Lebanon: Interior minister Marwan Charbel has played down last night's clashes as gunman blowing off steam, according to Now Lebanon. 1.37pm: Lebanon: Derek Plumbly, the UN's special co-ordinator for Lebanon, has expressed alarm about recent violence.
In a statement he said:
I have been very concerned at the incidents of violence in recent days, which have led to loss of life in Lebanon, including in Tripoli last week and over the weekend that in Akkar which led to the deaths of Sheikh Ahmad Abdel-Wahid and Sheikh Mohammad Hussein Merheb and those subsequently here in Beirut. I would like to extend my condolences to the families of those who died in these incidents. It is important that there be no further repetition of such violence and that the incidents that have occurred be fully and thoroughly investigated.
Since I arrived in Lebanon, I have been impressed by the efforts of the security authorities and political leaders to safeguard Lebanon's calm and stability, at a time of upheaval and uncertainty in the region. I am confident now that all parties in Lebanon will continue to put the interests of the country above other considerations. Differences must be addressed through dialogue, not resort to violence.
1.26pm: Yemen: Yemeni TV has shown images of the aftermath of today's bombing.
The footage shows a distant view of what appears to be scores of dead and injured soldiers.
12.35pm: Lebanon: Interior minister Marwan Charbel has played down last night's clashes as gunmen blowing off steam, according to Now Lebanon.
He also insisted that the security situation was under control.He also insisted that the security situation was under control.
Lebanese blogger Doreen Khoury expressed shock at the minister's remarks:Lebanese blogger Doreen Khoury expressed shock at the minister's remarks:
I'm astounded @ the way Lebanese Min of interior @MMCharbel describes Tareek Jadida clashes as 'fashet khelq' or 'letting of steam' #LebanonI'm astounded @ the way Lebanese Min of interior @MMCharbel describes Tareek Jadida clashes as 'fashet khelq' or 'letting of steam' #Lebanon
— Doreen Khoury (@doreenkhoury) May 21, 2012— Doreen Khoury (@doreenkhoury) May 21, 2012
12.31pm: Lebanon: Local broadcaster al-Jadeed has dramatic footage of overnight in Beirut.12.31pm: Lebanon: Local broadcaster al-Jadeed has dramatic footage of overnight in Beirut.
It is unclear whether the men shown firing at a car were from a pro or anti Syrian group.It is unclear whether the men shown firing at a car were from a pro or anti Syrian group.
12.03pm: Here's a summary of the latest developments:12.03pm: Here's a summary of the latest developments:
LebanonLebanon
• At least two people have been killed and 18 injured in clashes overnight in the Lebanese capital Beirut. The clashes, between Sunni pro- and anti-Syrian groups, followed the shooting dead on Sunday of an anti-Syrian sheikh. • At least two people have been killed and 18 injured in clashes overnight in the Lebanese capital, Beirut. The clashes, between Sunni pro- and anti-Syrian groups, followed the shooting dead on Sunday of two anti-Syrian sheikhs.
SyriaSyria
• Government troops have killed nine military defectors near the Damascus suburb of Douma, according to various reports. A team from the Red Crescent was denied access to wounded civilians caught in the fighting, according to activists.• Government troops have killed nine military defectors near the Damascus suburb of Douma, according to various reports. A team from the Red Crescent was denied access to wounded civilians caught in the fighting, according to activists.
• Nato has expressed "growing concern" about the violence in Syria and voiced its commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the crisis. Secretary general Ander Fogh Rasmussen has reiterated that the alliance has no plans to intervene in Syria.• Nato has expressed "growing concern" about the violence in Syria and voiced its commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the crisis. Secretary general Ander Fogh Rasmussen has reiterated that the alliance has no plans to intervene in Syria.
• International envoy Kofi Annan is due to visit Syria within the next 10 days, according to foreign ministry spokesman Jihad Makdissi.• International envoy Kofi Annan is due to visit Syria within the next 10 days, according to foreign ministry spokesman Jihad Makdissi.
• The shadowy al-Nusra Front has claimed responsibility for Saturday's bombing in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor which killed nine people. The authenticity of its statement cannot be verified.• The shadowy al-Nusra Front has claimed responsibility for Saturday's bombing in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor which killed nine people. The authenticity of its statement cannot be verified.
YemenYemen
• At least 38 Yemeni soldiers have been killed in a suicide bomb attack during a rehearsal for a military parade. "This is a real massacre," said Ahmed Sobhi, one of the soldiers who witnessed the explosion. "There are piles of torn body parts, limbs, and heads. This is unbelievable."• At least 38 Yemeni soldiers have been killed in a suicide bomb attack during a rehearsal for a military parade. "This is a real massacre," said Ahmed Sobhi, one of the soldiers who witnessed the explosion. "There are piles of torn body parts, limbs, and heads. This is unbelievable."
BahrainBahrain
• Human Rights Watch has urged the UN to investigate Bahrain's "deplorable human rights record". Joe Stork, the group's deputy Middle East director, said: "Countries should ask Bahrain why it hasn't released scores of prisoners whose only crimes were to call for greater political right." • Human Rights Watch has urged the UN to investigate Bahrain's "deplorable human rights record". Joe Stork, the group's deputy Middle East director, said: "Countries should ask Bahrain why it hasn't released scores of prisoners whose only crimes were to call for greater political rights."
11.53am: Egypt: Officially campaigning for the presidential election is over. Voting for the first round takes place on Wednesday and Thursday, but under electoral rules, candidates are prohibited from campaigning 48 hours before the polls open.11.53am: Egypt: Officially campaigning for the presidential election is over. Voting for the first round takes place on Wednesday and Thursday, but under electoral rules, candidates are prohibited from campaigning 48 hours before the polls open.
But Ahram points out that the penalties for breaching the ban are undefined.But Ahram points out that the penalties for breaching the ban are undefined.
It also reports that the ruling generals, who have pledged to step aside once the president is elected, are set to issue an interim constitution setting out the president's powers before the vote is held.It also reports that the ruling generals, who have pledged to step aside once the president is elected, are set to issue an interim constitution setting out the president's powers before the vote is held.
11.33am: Syria: Nine rebel troops from the Free Syrian Army were killed last night when they were ambushed by government troops, according to activists and Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.11.33am: Syria: Nine rebel troops from the Free Syrian Army were killed last night when they were ambushed by government troops, according to activists and Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The observatory told AFP that the rebels were killed as they were retreating under cover of darkness from the village of Jisr al-Ab near the Damascus of suburb of Douma suburb.The observatory told AFP that the rebels were killed as they were retreating under cover of darkness from the village of Jisr al-Ab near the Damascus of suburb of Douma suburb.
A team from the Red Crescent was denied access to wounded civilians caught in the fighting, according to the opposition Ugarit News.A team from the Red Crescent was denied access to wounded civilians caught in the fighting, according to the opposition Ugarit News.
11.22am: Syria: Nato's secretary general Anders Fogh Rasmussen has reiterated that the alliance has no intention of intervening in Syria.11.22am: Syria: Nato's secretary general Anders Fogh Rasmussen has reiterated that the alliance has no intention of intervening in Syria.
He was speaking at the end of Nato's summit in Chicago, RIA Novosti reports.He was speaking at the end of Nato's summit in Chicago, RIA Novosti reports.
After the summit Nato issued a 65-point declaration on various issues. This is all that it said on Syria:After the summit Nato issued a 65-point declaration on various issues. This is all that it said on Syria:
We are following the evolution of the Syrian crisis with growing concern and we strongly support the efforts of the United Nations and the League of Arab States, including full implementation of the six-point Annan plan, to find a peaceful solution to the crisis.We are following the evolution of the Syrian crisis with growing concern and we strongly support the efforts of the United Nations and the League of Arab States, including full implementation of the six-point Annan plan, to find a peaceful solution to the crisis.
11.16am: Lebanon: Beirut-based journalist Josh Wood tweets the mood among anti-Syrian groups at the scene of overnight clashes:11.16am: Lebanon: Beirut-based journalist Josh Wood tweets the mood among anti-Syrian groups at the scene of overnight clashes:
Pro M14 Tariq Jdeideh resident last night on confronting M8 group in battle: "We're not taking this bullshit anymore" #Beirut #LebanonPro M14 Tariq Jdeideh resident last night on confronting M8 group in battle: "We're not taking this bullshit anymore" #Beirut #Lebanon
— Josh Wood (@woodenbeirut) May 21, 2012— Josh Wood (@woodenbeirut) May 21, 2012
@khaladk March 14 Sunni shabab versus Shaker Bourjawi's Lebanese Arab Movement shabab according to the kids in Tariq Jdeideh@khaladk March 14 Sunni shabab versus Shaker Bourjawi's Lebanese Arab Movement shabab according to the kids in Tariq Jdeideh
— Josh Wood (@woodenbeirut) May 21, 2012— Josh Wood (@woodenbeirut) May 21, 2012
Another quote from Tariq Jdeideh last night: "People have the right to defend themselves if the Army is not defending them" #Beirut #LebanonAnother quote from Tariq Jdeideh last night: "People have the right to defend themselves if the Army is not defending them" #Beirut #Lebanon
— Josh Wood (@woodenbeirut) May 21, 2012— Josh Wood (@woodenbeirut) May 21, 2012
10.46am: Yemen: Here's some instant reaction to today's suicide attack in Sana'a.10.46am: Yemen: Here's some instant reaction to today's suicide attack in Sana'a.
Ginny Hill, associate fellow at the thinktank Chatham House tweets:Ginny Hill, associate fellow at the thinktank Chatham House tweets:
grim news today from Sana'a. I hate to say this but although last year's military confrontation is 'over', rule of law feels pretty fragilegrim news today from Sana'a. I hate to say this but although last year's military confrontation is 'over', rule of law feels pretty fragile
— ginnyUK (@ginnyUK) May 21, 2012— ginnyUK (@ginnyUK) May 21, 2012
Yemeni activist Ibrahim Mothana tweets:Yemeni activist Ibrahim Mothana tweets:
What a gloomy and bloody day in #Sanaa! Wasn't it enough that we were going to have a tasteless unity day?! #YemenWhat a gloomy and bloody day in #Sanaa! Wasn't it enough that we were going to have a tasteless unity day?! #Yemen
— Ibrahim Mothana (@imothanaYemen) May 21, 2012— Ibrahim Mothana (@imothanaYemen) May 21, 2012
Yemeni Nobel peace prize winner Tawakkol Karman condemned the blast in Twitter update in Arabic.Yemeni Nobel peace prize winner Tawakkol Karman condemned the blast in Twitter update in Arabic.
10.32am: Lebanon: Sunni anger in Lebanon is playing into the hands of those who want to create instability in the country to turn the attention away from Syria, writes Mustapha on his blog Beirut Spring.10.32am: Lebanon: Sunni anger in Lebanon is playing into the hands of those who want to create instability in the country to turn the attention away from Syria, writes Mustapha on his blog Beirut Spring.
Their protests, even if cathartic, are creating three big headaches for their community:Their protests, even if cathartic, are creating three big headaches for their community:
• They are angering the rest of the Lebanese by inconveniencing them and reminding them of the war. Sunnis are coming across as irresponsible and dangerous.• They are angering the rest of the Lebanese by inconveniencing them and reminding them of the war. Sunnis are coming across as irresponsible and dangerous.
• They are not achieving anything. Even if the point was to establish deterrence (to make others think twice before upsetting the Sunnis), it's not working. It's just a loud and costly tantrum.• They are not achieving anything. Even if the point was to establish deterrence (to make others think twice before upsetting the Sunnis), it's not working. It's just a loud and costly tantrum.
• They are establishing a reputation that the Sunnis are an excitable bunch that can easily be provoked ...• They are establishing a reputation that the Sunnis are an excitable bunch that can easily be provoked ...
Their anger is being wasted on pointless tantrums and they're displaying an alarming lack of cool-headedness and long-term strategic planning. If they really care about their future as a sect (whether that is a worthwhile aspiration deserves a post of its own), they need to grow some skin, stop burning stuff and start thinking.Their anger is being wasted on pointless tantrums and they're displaying an alarming lack of cool-headedness and long-term strategic planning. If they really care about their future as a sect (whether that is a worthwhile aspiration deserves a post of its own), they need to grow some skin, stop burning stuff and start thinking.
10.18am: Lebanon: "Do not push us to create a Free Syrian Army in Lebanon", a man says in this al-Jazeera report, on the aftermath of the suspected army assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Abdul Wahid, a Sunni Muslim cleric, and Muhammed Hussein Miraib, both members of the anti-Syria March 14 alliance.10.18am: Lebanon: "Do not push us to create a Free Syrian Army in Lebanon", a man says in this al-Jazeera report, on the aftermath of the suspected army assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Abdul Wahid, a Sunni Muslim cleric, and Muhammed Hussein Miraib, both members of the anti-Syria March 14 alliance.
Reporter Zeina Khodr says:Reporter Zeina Khodr says:
The bottom line is this: Syria yet again is a dividing issue in this country. The rival groups are divided in their support and opposition to the Syrian government. And this is where the fear lies," Khodr said on Monday.The bottom line is this: Syria yet again is a dividing issue in this country. The rival groups are divided in their support and opposition to the Syrian government. And this is where the fear lies," Khodr said on Monday.
"The very fact that the Lebanese army is at the centre of the conflict makes the situation more dangerous. Because the army has always been seen as the neutral institution, the only institution that can hold this politically unstable country together."The very fact that the Lebanese army is at the centre of the conflict makes the situation more dangerous. Because the army has always been seen as the neutral institution, the only institution that can hold this politically unstable country together.
9.53am: Syria: The shadowy al-Nusra Front, has claimed responsibility for Saturday's bombing in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor which killed nine people.9.53am: Syria: The shadowy al-Nusra Front, has claimed responsibility for Saturday's bombing in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor which killed nine people.
Reuters reports:Reuters reports:
The al-Nusra Front said it was behind the attack on Saturday which targeted military installations in Deir Ezzor. The authenticity of the statement could not immediately be verified.The al-Nusra Front said it was behind the attack on Saturday which targeted military installations in Deir Ezzor. The authenticity of the statement could not immediately be verified.
"There was a limit to the ferocity of the dogs of the regime in Deir Ezzor at which they had to be punished, so the soldiers of the al-Nusra front undertook this mission," read the statement on an Islamist web forum."There was a limit to the ferocity of the dogs of the regime in Deir Ezzor at which they had to be punished, so the soldiers of the al-Nusra front undertook this mission," read the statement on an Islamist web forum.
"The blessed operations will continue until the land of Syria is purified from the filth of the Nusayris (Alawites) and the Sunnis are relieved from their oppression.""The blessed operations will continue until the land of Syria is purified from the filth of the Nusayris (Alawites) and the Sunnis are relieved from their oppression."
The claim should be treated with caution. The al-Nusra Front has previously claimed responsibility for bombings in Damascus and Aleppo. But it also issued a denial that it claimed responsibility for the latest attack in Damascus.The claim should be treated with caution. The al-Nusra Front has previously claimed responsibility for bombings in Damascus and Aleppo. But it also issued a denial that it claimed responsibility for the latest attack in Damascus.
Update: We've removed an earlier reference to the attack being a suicide bombing. Brian Whitaker points out that the only source for it being a suicide attack is the Syrian state media.Update: We've removed an earlier reference to the attack being a suicide bombing. Brian Whitaker points out that the only source for it being a suicide attack is the Syrian state media.
9.15am: Yemen: Al-Jazeera's Jane Ferguson, in Sana'a, says 50 people were killed in the suicide attack. She said the death toll was likely to increase as the attack occurred in a packed crowd.9.15am: Yemen: Al-Jazeera's Jane Ferguson, in Sana'a, says 50 people were killed in the suicide attack. She said the death toll was likely to increase as the attack occurred in a packed crowd.
The blast occurred outside the presidential palace during preparations for tomorrow's parade. Most of those killed were soldiers, she said.The blast occurred outside the presidential palace during preparations for tomorrow's parade. Most of those killed were soldiers, she said.
9.06am: Yemen: Scores of people have been killed in a suicide bombing against a military parade in the capital Sana'a, AP reports, citing a government official.9.06am: Yemen: Scores of people have been killed in a suicide bombing against a military parade in the capital Sana'a, AP reports, citing a government official.
The parade was scheduled to mark Yemen's national day and the new president, Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, was due to attend.The parade was scheduled to mark Yemen's national day and the new president, Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, was due to attend.
The BBC reports:The BBC reports:
The bomber, who was wearing military uniform, blew himself up among the soldiers as they marched through Sabin Square, near the presidential palace.The bomber, who was wearing military uniform, blew himself up among the soldiers as they marched through Sabin Square, near the presidential palace.
Witnesses said remains of the victims were scattered across the square, where large military parades are often held. Ambulances rushed to the area to take survivors to hospital.Witnesses said remains of the victims were scattered across the square, where large military parades are often held. Ambulances rushed to the area to take survivors to hospital.
8.58am: Lebanon: Beirut's Daily Star says the Lebanese Army and security forces have begun patrolling the Tariq al-Jadideh after overnight clashes.8.58am: Lebanon: Beirut's Daily Star says the Lebanese Army and security forces have begun patrolling the Tariq al-Jadideh after overnight clashes.
It claims three people were killed in the violence.It claims three people were killed in the violence.
The fighting erupted between Future Movement supporters and their rivals in the Arab Movement Party headed by Shaker Berjaoui, an ally of the Syrian government.The fighting erupted between Future Movement supporters and their rivals in the Arab Movement Party headed by Shaker Berjaoui, an ally of the Syrian government.
Two of the three fatalities were identified as Mohammad Yusef Boutah, 31 and Ali Mohammad Sharab, 30.Two of the three fatalities were identified as Mohammad Yusef Boutah, 31 and Ali Mohammad Sharab, 30.
Security sources told The Daily Star that clashes erupted when Berjaoui began preparing the Municipal Stadium for May 25 Liberation Day, which commemorates the withdrawal of Israeli troops from south Lebanon in 2000.Security sources told The Daily Star that clashes erupted when Berjaoui began preparing the Municipal Stadium for May 25 Liberation Day, which commemorates the withdrawal of Israeli troops from south Lebanon in 2000.
They also said that residents of the neighbourhood have vowed not to allow Berjaoui to return to the area.They also said that residents of the neighbourhood have vowed not to allow Berjaoui to return to the area.
8.37am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live.8.37am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live.
Here's a roundup of the latest developments:Here's a roundup of the latest developments:
LebanonLebanon
• At least two people have been killed and 18 injured in clashes overnight in the Lebanese capital Beirut. The clashes, between Sunni pro- and anti-Syrian groups, followed the shooting dead on Sunday of two anti-Syrian sheikhs, the BBC reports.• At least two people have been killed and 18 injured in clashes overnight in the Lebanese capital Beirut. The clashes, between Sunni pro- and anti-Syrian groups, followed the shooting dead on Sunday of two anti-Syrian sheikhs, the BBC reports.
SyriaSyria
• A roadside bomb exploded in Douma, north-east of Damascus, as senior UN officials toured the area, blowing off the front of a parked vehicle but causing no casualties. Visiting UN peacekeeping chief Hervé Ladsous and Robert Mood, the chief of UN observers in Syria, were 150 metres away, along with accompanying journalists, when the blast went off engulfing a Toyota pickup car in flames and smoke.• A roadside bomb exploded in Douma, north-east of Damascus, as senior UN officials toured the area, blowing off the front of a parked vehicle but causing no casualties. Visiting UN peacekeeping chief Hervé Ladsous and Robert Mood, the chief of UN observers in Syria, were 150 metres away, along with accompanying journalists, when the blast went off engulfing a Toyota pickup car in flames and smoke.
• The government has denied oppositions claims that rebels killed six senior officials including Pesident Bashar al-Assad's brother-in-law, Assef Shawkat. State media described the allegations as "categorically baseless" and quoted three of those reportedly killed to refute the claims.• The government has denied oppositions claims that rebels killed six senior officials including Pesident Bashar al-Assad's brother-in-law, Assef Shawkat. State media described the allegations as "categorically baseless" and quoted three of those reportedly killed to refute the claims.
• International envoy Kofi Annan is due to visit Syria within the next 10 days, according to foreign ministry spokesman Jihad Makdissi.• International envoy Kofi Annan is due to visit Syria within the next 10 days, according to foreign ministry spokesman Jihad Makdissi.
UN Envoy Mr Koffi Annan will be visiting Syria by the end of the month to discuss implementation of UN Plan #Syria #UNUN Envoy Mr Koffi Annan will be visiting Syria by the end of the month to discuss implementation of UN Plan #Syria #UN
— Jihad Makdissi (@Makdissi) May 20, 2012— Jihad Makdissi (@Makdissi) May 20, 2012
• Syria watcher Joshua Landis questions opposition claims that bomb attacks against intelligence headquarters were set off by the military to discredit the opposition.• Syria watcher Joshua Landis questions opposition claims that bomb attacks against intelligence headquarters were set off by the military to discredit the opposition.
This does not make sense for many reasons.This does not make sense for many reasons.
1. Why would the mukhabarat kill itself? No mater how evil one presumes Syria's intelligence agents are, it remains unlikely that they would kill themselves in such great numbers. The willingness of Western news agencies to repeat these opposition claims demonstrates that Westerners are just as prone to conspiracy theories as are Arabs. All it takes to believe in conspiracy theories is to demonize your enemies to the point that you can believe they will carry out any operation in order to advance their devilish aims.1. Why would the mukhabarat kill itself? No mater how evil one presumes Syria's intelligence agents are, it remains unlikely that they would kill themselves in such great numbers. The willingness of Western news agencies to repeat these opposition claims demonstrates that Westerners are just as prone to conspiracy theories as are Arabs. All it takes to believe in conspiracy theories is to demonize your enemies to the point that you can believe they will carry out any operation in order to advance their devilish aims.
2. It makes sense for the opposition to set off car bombs in down town areas. Classic stage-two insurgency tactics call for terrorist acts in public places to make the regime look weak and to provoke it to lash out in rage, killing innocent people and provoking more and more neutrals to hate the regime and side with the insurgency. Targeting intelligence headquarters is smart as it accomplishes all of these opposition goals.2. It makes sense for the opposition to set off car bombs in down town areas. Classic stage-two insurgency tactics call for terrorist acts in public places to make the regime look weak and to provoke it to lash out in rage, killing innocent people and provoking more and more neutrals to hate the regime and side with the insurgency. Targeting intelligence headquarters is smart as it accomplishes all of these opposition goals.
BahrainBahrain
• Human Rights Watch has urged the UN to investigate Bahrain's "deplorable human rights record". Joe Stork, the group's deputy Middle East director, said: "Countries should ask Bahrain why it hasn't released scores of prisoners whose only crimes were to call for greater political right." • Human Rights Watch has urged the UN to investigate Bahrain's "deplorable human rights record". Joe Stork, the group's deputy Middle East director, said: "Countries should ask Bahrain why it hasn't released scores of prisoners whose only crimes were to call for greater political rights."
EgyptEgypt
• Revolutionary forces would suffer a huge setback if frontrunner Amr Moussa wins the presidential election, argues the former head of al-Jazeer Wadah Khanfar.• Revolutionary forces would suffer a huge setback if frontrunner Amr Moussa wins the presidential election, argues the former head of al-Jazeer Wadah Khanfar.
Relations between the presidency and the parliament could become tense. Not only this, the army would continue to predominate in one form or another. That may embroil Egypt in disputes and divert it from the transition toward democracy.Relations between the presidency and the parliament could become tense. Not only this, the army would continue to predominate in one form or another. That may embroil Egypt in disputes and divert it from the transition toward democracy.