The Saqiyat al-Janzir area in Beirut witnessed security tensions after a State Security patrol attempted to arrest an individual, resulting in intense gunfire in the area.

In response, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated that “the violence witnessed this afternoon in Saqiyat al-Janzir Square by some security agency personnel against civilians, as well as the shooting and intimidation of citizens, is unacceptable, regardless of the reasons or justifications.”

He added, “I have issued strict orders for an immediate investigation to clarify the circumstances of what happened and to take the necessary disciplinary and judicial measures against those responsible.”

Salam urged “the citizens of Beirut to exercise the utmost restraint to safeguard the security of our beloved capital and the safety of its people.”

Meanwhile, the General Directorate of State Security stated that “after a delinquent generator owner in the Beirut district failed to appear at the Directorate of Intelligence and Special Operations to complete the judicial procedures against him, and based on an order from the General Financial Prosecutor to bring him in, a patrol from this directorate moved to execute the judicial order. However, a number of citizens obstructed the patrol and prevented it from carrying out its mission, forcing some personnel to fire into the air to disperse them, with no injuries reported.”

The Grand Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Daryan, held calls with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Director General of State Security Major General Edgar Lawandos, and Director of Lebanese Army Intelligence Tony Kahwaji to assess the situation in Beirut.

Mufti Daryan requested the Director General of State Security, Major General Lawandos, to initiate an immediate investigation to address the reckless and irresponsible behavior and to take all necessary procedural measures against those responsible.

Secretary-General of the “Future Movement,” Ahmad Hariri, stated, “Beirut will not calm down until the state safeguards the dignity of its people by holding all those responsible within the ‘State Security’ apparatus accountable for the bullying against our people in Saqiyat al-Janzir and Abu Ali Aytani.”

He stressed via the “X” platform that “the people of Beirut are the state’s foundation, and anyone within the state who thinks it can be taken lightly is mistaken. Beirut’s dignity is our dignity and that of all regions, period.”

Ahmad Hariri concluded by questioning, “The most dangerous issue for the state’s supporters: are there elements within the security apparatuses that have turned into militias and decided to play with the fire of sedition and sabotage the efforts of Arab brothers to maintain Lebanon’s stability and security?”

Interior and Municipalities Minister Ahmad Hajjar wrote on the ministry’s official “X” account: “I met with a delegation from our people in Beirut, including mukhtars, lawyers, and active figures, who confirmed that the people of Beirut are under the authority of the law and denounced the violence and gunfire during the raid in the Saqiyat al-Janzir area in Beirut.”

He said, “During the meeting, we emphasized the importance of maintaining the capital’s security and stability during this sensitive period.”

Hajjar affirmed: “We will follow up with His Excellency the President and the Prime Minister on what happened in Saqiyat al-Janzir to ensure the preservation of security and compliance with the law. Based on the meeting, we urge our people to open the roads and cooperate to protect Beirut and enhance its stability."