The new Hezbollah controlled government of Lebanon have been killed in the past hour by an Israeli air strike against government headquarters in Beirut. The Syrian President, in response, has named himself the acting President of Lebanon and is vowing to defend Syrian territory at any cost.
Syrian and Israeli forces have engaged upon the ground and in the air. There is an effective state of war between Israel and Syria.
Saturday, 16 February 2008
Former Lebanon Defence Minister sentenced to guillotine; Israel ready to go to war with Syria
After Israel's refusal to grant the former Lebanese defense minister amnesty, and being held captive by the new self-proclaimed Hezbollah government, the new Prime Minister has decided to make an example of the defense minister and has ordered his public death by guillotining. This will be followed by a triumphant parade by Hezbollah fighters and a speech in Beirut. This is rumoured to incorporate the announcement of the introduction of strict new Sharia religious law in Lebanon.
The Israelis in the meantime are drafting reserve forces to beef up defences along the Gaza Strip. It is rumoured that there is also a paratrooper drop planned to take Beirut.
Israel's Defense Ministry spokesman has warned Syria that Israel is prepared to use all necessary measures, including full-scale war with Syria, to pacify Lebanon under an Israeli banner, and has suggested that Syria pull back to its border to avoid further escalation.
The Israelis in the meantime are drafting reserve forces to beef up defences along the Gaza Strip. It is rumoured that there is also a paratrooper drop planned to take Beirut.
Israel's Defense Ministry spokesman has warned Syria that Israel is prepared to use all necessary measures, including full-scale war with Syria, to pacify Lebanon under an Israeli banner, and has suggested that Syria pull back to its border to avoid further escalation.
SYRIA INVADES LEBANON
Syrian troops have responded to a request by the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of Lebanon, the former Minister representing Hezbollah, and have entered Lebanon to secure the situation. They are being greeted by Hezbollah fighters almost as if they were liberators. The Hezbollah fighters, as areas of Lebanon come under Syrian control, are diverting their efforts towards slowing down the Israelis, with some success. Israeli progress racing towards Beirut has slowed significantly, and it appears as though Syrian troops will beat them there.
HEZBOLLAH CLAIMS CONTROL
With the assasination of the Lebanese Prime Minister, Lizzarick bin Pattin has consolidated her control over the cabinet of Lebanon. Though there is some resistance from the Foreign Minister, who is considering fleeing into exile, it is expected that the disparate factions of the cabinet will fall in behind the new Prime Minister.
Syria and Iran have instantly recognised the new government of Lebanon. The UN Security Council is still discussing the matter. President George W Bush has called a session of the National Security Council to discuss 'a terrorist takeover of Lebanon.'
Israeli ground forces, at the invitation of the former government, have entered Lebanon to begin pacifying the country. Syria has reacted badly to this event, and has mobilised its forces to enter Lebanon and secure the situation. "We cannot accept a zionist invasion of Lebanon, whatever government invited it. Lebanon has a large Syrian population, and therefore Syria has a sovereign right to defend its kin. We will repel any Zionist invasion with all necessary force."
Israel is making quick progress through southern Lebanon, having moved most of its forces to that conflict. By devoting so many resources to the pacification of Lebanon, security has been diminished along the border with the Gaza Strip. Hamas are taking this opportunity to call for a new Palestianian intafada against Israeli control.
Syria and Iran have instantly recognised the new government of Lebanon. The UN Security Council is still discussing the matter. President George W Bush has called a session of the National Security Council to discuss 'a terrorist takeover of Lebanon.'
Israeli ground forces, at the invitation of the former government, have entered Lebanon to begin pacifying the country. Syria has reacted badly to this event, and has mobilised its forces to enter Lebanon and secure the situation. "We cannot accept a zionist invasion of Lebanon, whatever government invited it. Lebanon has a large Syrian population, and therefore Syria has a sovereign right to defend its kin. We will repel any Zionist invasion with all necessary force."
Israel is making quick progress through southern Lebanon, having moved most of its forces to that conflict. By devoting so many resources to the pacification of Lebanon, security has been diminished along the border with the Gaza Strip. Hamas are taking this opportunity to call for a new Palestianian intafada against Israeli control.
PRIME MINISTER'S HELICOPTER DOWN
HELICOPTER DOWNED OUTSIDE BEIRUT GOVERNMENT COMPOUND, PM FEARED DEAD
It has been reported that one of the four helicopter convoy carrying the Lebanese Prime Minister and certain members of his security forces has been shot down. The Prime Minister's helicopter was believed to have been the one targeted. A stinger missile was fired from within an angry mob and detonated against the side of the helicopter, causing it to tear apart and fall to the earth. The other 3 helicopters moved into an evasive pattern to avoid further fire.
It has been reported that one of the four helicopter convoy carrying the Lebanese Prime Minister and certain members of his security forces has been shot down. The Prime Minister's helicopter was believed to have been the one targeted. A stinger missile was fired from within an angry mob and detonated against the side of the helicopter, causing it to tear apart and fall to the earth. The other 3 helicopters moved into an evasive pattern to avoid further fire.
FLASH TRAFFIC URGENT
Urgent radio traffic: Shooting is being reported around the Lebanese government compound. It is believed that one of the helicopters taking the members of the Lebanese cabinet to a more secure location has been damaged by gunfire.
CIVIL WAR IN LEBANON
In the latest sign of civil warfare in Lebanon, the Prime Minister has resorted to the only constituency he has left to defend him - Maronite Christians. He and the Defence Minister are asking all Maronite Christians loyal to the Prime Minister to rise up and attack Hezbollah forces in defence of their government.
BREAKING NEWS: ISRAELI PLANES DOWNED
AP: Two Israeli F-15 aircraft are reported missing after their incursion into Lebanon in support of the Lebanese government's request to provide assistance against Hezbollah.
Very little preliminary information is available at this point. It does not appear that they were brought down by small arms fire.
More soon.
Very little preliminary information is available at this point. It does not appear that they were brought down by small arms fire.
More soon.
Saudis refuse to send foreign assistance
RIYADH, Al Jazeera (15:40) --
In response to a request by the Lebanese Cabinet, King Abdullah of the House of Saud has made public he has no intention to commit Saudi troops to a stabilisation mission in what is fast turning into a quagmire in Lebanon.
He supports a UN Security Council-endorsed resolution to the problem.
Syria has gone public with its offer, long rumoured to have been made in secret, of providing "whatever assistance is necessary" to the Lebanese.
In response to a request by the Lebanese Cabinet, King Abdullah of the House of Saud has made public he has no intention to commit Saudi troops to a stabilisation mission in what is fast turning into a quagmire in Lebanon.
He supports a UN Security Council-endorsed resolution to the problem.
Syria has gone public with its offer, long rumoured to have been made in secret, of providing "whatever assistance is necessary" to the Lebanese.
Israeli Attacks in Southern Lebanon Begin
The Israeli Air Force, at the request of the cabient of Lebanon, has begun air strikes against Hezbollah targets in Southern Lebanon. Thirty four F-15s have been diverted to southern Lebanon in order to prosecute a campaign against Hezbollah forces. The Air Force has been instructed to attack only Hezbollah targets, which will be approved by the Chiefs of Military Staff.
The invitation by the Lebanese cabinet to the Israelis has provoked an even angrier reaction from Hezbollah and also some allies in the region. The Foreign Minister of Jordan refused to publicly comment upon the invitation, however privately sources close to him said that he was deeply unimpressed that the Lebanese would turn to zionists rather than thier Arab brothers.
Hezbollah officials have claimed they no longer recognise any authority of the Lebanese Prime Minister, who has been reduced in their eyes to a simple Zionist. The Minister representing the political faction of Hezbollah, Lizarrik bin Pattin, is recognised by Hezbollah as the new acting Prime Minister of Lebanon. They extend amnesty offers to all members of the cabinet agreeing to abide by the decisions of bin Lizarrik.
Despite Israeli air attacks, Hezbollah is beginning to consoldate control in the centre of the country and around Beirut.
The invitation by the Lebanese cabinet to the Israelis has provoked an even angrier reaction from Hezbollah and also some allies in the region. The Foreign Minister of Jordan refused to publicly comment upon the invitation, however privately sources close to him said that he was deeply unimpressed that the Lebanese would turn to zionists rather than thier Arab brothers.
Hezbollah officials have claimed they no longer recognise any authority of the Lebanese Prime Minister, who has been reduced in their eyes to a simple Zionist. The Minister representing the political faction of Hezbollah, Lizarrik bin Pattin, is recognised by Hezbollah as the new acting Prime Minister of Lebanon. They extend amnesty offers to all members of the cabinet agreeing to abide by the decisions of bin Lizarrik.
Despite Israeli air attacks, Hezbollah is beginning to consoldate control in the centre of the country and around Beirut.
Disarray among Lebanese troops; civil war beckons
THE SITUATION COULD NOT BE MORE CONFUSED ON THE GROUND
as the Lebanese army disintegrates into disarray. Field
correspondents are reporting the split of the armed forces
along essentially tribal lines, with some soldiers opting
to join Hezbollah's holy war against the Lebanese government
and others choosing to defend their cherished secular way
of life.
Gun battles around Tyre and Sidon, both within sight of the
Israeli border, are becoming ever more confused - Hezbollah
fighters are fighting Lebanese regulars, who are fighting
each other, some of whom are fighting Israel, together with
Hezbollah, who it appears is preparing to fight Israel,, all
this while the Lebanese government is making requests for
military assistance from Israel against Hezbollah, and now,
against its own soldiers as well.
The country appears to be on the brink of a civil war. Syria
has indicated that it will not allow a complete breakdown of
order in the region; what precisely this means is yet to be
seen.
The UN Security Council is discussing the matter.
as the Lebanese army disintegrates into disarray. Field
correspondents are reporting the split of the armed forces
along essentially tribal lines, with some soldiers opting
to join Hezbollah's holy war against the Lebanese government
and others choosing to defend their cherished secular way
of life.
Gun battles around Tyre and Sidon, both within sight of the
Israeli border, are becoming ever more confused - Hezbollah
fighters are fighting Lebanese regulars, who are fighting
each other, some of whom are fighting Israel, together with
Hezbollah, who it appears is preparing to fight Israel,, all
this while the Lebanese government is making requests for
military assistance from Israel against Hezbollah, and now,
against its own soldiers as well.
The country appears to be on the brink of a civil war. Syria
has indicated that it will not allow a complete breakdown of
order in the region; what precisely this means is yet to be
seen.
The UN Security Council is discussing the matter.
Rocket blasts hit Haifa; scores dead
Haifa (DPA) - 15:01
Sixteen unguided rockets have hit the Israeli port city of Haifa, in the first of what could be many knock-on effects of Hezbollah's violent falling out with the Lebanese government. The Israeli Defence Ministry has confirmed that the rockets were fired from near the Lebanese-Israeli border.
Casualties are reported at 47 civillians. A shopping centre in the heart of the city took the brunt of the attack.
This is a significantly higher death toll than the more common ones attributed to Kassam rockets, usually numbering below ten. It is unclear how exactly rocket fire from what are essentially home-made rockets could inflict this much damage, or how they could be so accurate to hit within a radius of one hundred metres.
A source who wished to remain anonymous from within the Israeli intelligence community speculated that there may be foreign involvement in the provision of these improved munitions.
Sixteen unguided rockets have hit the Israeli port city of Haifa, in the first of what could be many knock-on effects of Hezbollah's violent falling out with the Lebanese government. The Israeli Defence Ministry has confirmed that the rockets were fired from near the Lebanese-Israeli border.
Casualties are reported at 47 civillians. A shopping centre in the heart of the city took the brunt of the attack.
This is a significantly higher death toll than the more common ones attributed to Kassam rockets, usually numbering below ten. It is unclear how exactly rocket fire from what are essentially home-made rockets could inflict this much damage, or how they could be so accurate to hit within a radius of one hundred metres.
A source who wished to remain anonymous from within the Israeli intelligence community speculated that there may be foreign involvement in the provision of these improved munitions.
Hezbollah Declares HOLY WAR on Lebanese Government
In response to the Lebanese decision to majorly crack down upon Hezbollah forces within Lebanon, the leaders of Hezbollah have announced that they are declaring war upon the government of Lebanon.
"Rise up my brothers!! Rise up and resist the traitorous Lebanese government. They do not represent the interests of the Lebanese people - only THEMESLVES!! I call upon the people of this nation to tear down this phony group of power-mongers by force. God is Great. Death to the West" pronounced Sheikh Ashen Bin Geshakal over Hezbollah's broadcast system.
The protests within the city of Beirut have now turned violent, with protesters clashing with the police forces. They are heard to be shouting "DEATH TO THE PRIME MINISTER!!" The cabinet of Lebanon is holed-up inside their compound, with a growing mob of Hezbollah supporters seiging the gates.
The US State Department has issued an advisory warning its citizens to immediately make their way to the American Embassy to prepare for evacuation.
There are now scattered reports of Lebanese and Hezbollah forces engaging in the south of Lebanon, with some Lebanese military refusing to fire back against Hezbollah attackers.
"Rise up my brothers!! Rise up and resist the traitorous Lebanese government. They do not represent the interests of the Lebanese people - only THEMESLVES!! I call upon the people of this nation to tear down this phony group of power-mongers by force. God is Great. Death to the West" pronounced Sheikh Ashen Bin Geshakal over Hezbollah's broadcast system.
The protests within the city of Beirut have now turned violent, with protesters clashing with the police forces. They are heard to be shouting "DEATH TO THE PRIME MINISTER!!" The cabinet of Lebanon is holed-up inside their compound, with a growing mob of Hezbollah supporters seiging the gates.
The US State Department has issued an advisory warning its citizens to immediately make their way to the American Embassy to prepare for evacuation.
There are now scattered reports of Lebanese and Hezbollah forces engaging in the south of Lebanon, with some Lebanese military refusing to fire back against Hezbollah attackers.
Action order - posted for reference
Orders from cabinet authority to:
- Arrest heads of Hezbollah within operating region
- Mass confiscation of Hezbollah equipment
- Dispatch a further 5000 troops to Tyre
- Arrest heads of Hezbollah within operating region
- Mass confiscation of Hezbollah equipment
- Dispatch a further 5000 troops to Tyre
Al Arabiya broadcasts Nasrallah message
Al Arabiya Television has just carried an interview with Hezbollah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah calling for swift divine retribution against Israel for the earlier lethal airstrike against Sheikh Ahmed ali Halwezi.
The news anchors also gave detailed instructions on where mass protests would be held and where Hezbollah would be distributing humanitarian relief aid as well as coordination points for other activities.
The news anchors also gave detailed instructions on where mass protests would be held and where Hezbollah would be distributing humanitarian relief aid as well as coordination points for other activities.
Uncontrollable street protests erupt in Tyre and Sidon
A spontaneous street protest has erupted in several of the major population centres in Lebanon. Around ten thousand angry people descended on the main market square in Tyre to demonstrate their anger at the Israeli air strike earlier today in a town just struck by an earthquake. An unknown number appears to be gathering in the southern coastal city of Sidon.
Emergency services and local government forces are overwhelmed. Police have tried to maintain order but have not managed thus far.
Emergency services and local government forces are overwhelmed. Police have tried to maintain order but have not managed thus far.
UN Security Council Emergency Session
The UN Security Council has agreed to enter emergency session to discuss the evolving crisis in Lebanon between Israel and Lebanon. The Secretary General has called the situation extremely disturbing, and called upon all parties to show restraint in thier activities.
The US representative to the Security Council has said that the United States supports Israeli actions against Hezbollah, in so far as they comply with Resolution 1701 which was agreed to following the July War in 2006.
UN peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon have been put on defensive alert, however have received no instructions from New York about how to proceed. The Lebanese are calling for EU mediation between Israel and Lebanon, however the EU have thus far seemed reticent to become involved. They have pledged humanitarian aid for eqarthquake victims.
The US representative to the Security Council has said that the United States supports Israeli actions against Hezbollah, in so far as they comply with Resolution 1701 which was agreed to following the July War in 2006.
UN peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon have been put on defensive alert, however have received no instructions from New York about how to proceed. The Lebanese are calling for EU mediation between Israel and Lebanon, however the EU have thus far seemed reticent to become involved. They have pledged humanitarian aid for eqarthquake victims.
Apparent ban on Tyre protests from Lebanon PM
REUTERS (Tyre) --
It appears that the Lebanese Prime Minister has imposed a curfew on Lebanon's southern city of Tyre. Loudspeakers ordered citizens to return to their homes and not pose any resistance to the authorities.
A statement by the Prime Minister's spokesman confirmed only that there was a ban being put in place on mass gatherings and mass demonstrations in the city.
It appears that the Lebanese Prime Minister has imposed a curfew on Lebanon's southern city of Tyre. Loudspeakers ordered citizens to return to their homes and not pose any resistance to the authorities.
A statement by the Prime Minister's spokesman confirmed only that there was a ban being put in place on mass gatherings and mass demonstrations in the city.
ISRAELI AIR STRIKE ON LEBANON
The Israeli Minitry of Defence has launched an air assault upon Sheikh Ahmed ali Halwezi, a top lieutenant of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation. The cabinet, upon word that Israeli agents were being dragged dead through the streets authorised the strikes to take out the cleric, nicknamed amongst the Israeli Defence Forces as a 'Terror Kingpin'.
Israeli F-15s out of air bases along the northern border with Lebanon were immediately launched, and attacked the town Tyre, which has recently suffered an earhquake. A payload of explosives was delivered to the apartment building in which Sheikh ali Halwezi was believed to be staying in. The target was confirmed destroyed.
The Israeli Prime Minister condemned Lebanon's inability to control Hezbollah, and said that the air strikes were in response to Hezbollah's aggression towards Israel, both the assassination of the Minister of the Interior and the brutal killing and humiliation of Israeli troops.
Casualty reports are incoming. They currently stand at 62 confirmed dead, 98 injured, 12 critical. The local hospital, damaged in the earthquake, is unable to take the extra casualties from the air strike. There has been instant public outrage at the Israeli attack around the world. The German Foreign Minister has said "To attack the town of Tyre, after it has just suffered an earthquake, is unacceptably heartless. I don't care what kind of war you're figthing - it's just wrong."
The Israeli military has moved to high alert. 3 regiments have been sent to the noterhn border to defend the country. Israel's rapid reaction forces have been placed on standby, and security has been increased dramatically along the border with the Palestinians. The Ministry of Internal Security has indefinitely closed the crossings between Israel and the Gaza Strip.
"Mossad agents" dead bodies dragged through streets of Tyre
Al Arabiya, Tyre (11:58) --
The primetime TV program on Al Arabiya has displayed disturbing images of what is purported to be the dead Mossad agents who Hezbollah claimed to have killed earlier being dragged through the streets of Tyre.
Protestors were chanting anti-Israeli slogans and mutilating the bodies. It is not clear whether the protest was spontaneous or organised at Hezbollah's instigation
HEZBOLLAH COUNTER-STATEMENT
"The political wing of Hezbollah strongly condemns the statement issued earlier and strongly supporters the Lebanese government's stance against terrorism. Action has been taken to reverse this process. The Prime Minister has seized control of situation and everything is being done o prevent any such occurances in the future."
HEZBOLLAH COUNTER-STATEMENT
The political wing of Hezbollah strongly condemns the statement issued earlier and strongly supporters the Lebanese government's stance against terrorism. Action has been taken to reverse this process. The Prime Minister has seized control of situation and everything is being done o prevent any such occurances in the future.
HEBOLLAH ATTACKS MOSSAD
Release from the Freedom Fighters in Hezbollah:
This morning our fight to wipe Israel off the face of the Earth has progressed. Israeli Mossad Agents, who were about to destroy a school full of children in order to kill one of our brothers have had justice exacted upon them.
The Israeli spies, who would defeat our holy cause and kill innocents in the process, were captured while preparing to detonate their explosives and kill hundreds of children. They were immediately executed.
This kind of Israeli militarism will not go unmatched. Our holy cause against the Zionists continues. DEATH TO ISRAEL.
This morning our fight to wipe Israel off the face of the Earth has progressed. Israeli Mossad Agents, who were about to destroy a school full of children in order to kill one of our brothers have had justice exacted upon them.
The Israeli spies, who would defeat our holy cause and kill innocents in the process, were captured while preparing to detonate their explosives and kill hundreds of children. They were immediately executed.
This kind of Israeli militarism will not go unmatched. Our holy cause against the Zionists continues. DEATH TO ISRAEL.
The Power Behind the Throne
Sources inside the Foreign Ministry have revealed to members of the international press that the Foreign Minister has taken over the duties of the Lebanese Prime Minister. It is believed that the PM has lost control of his cabinet, and that the Foreign Minister has assumed the duties he can not carry out.
UPDATED
The Lebanese Prime Minister has strongly refuted the Foreign Ministry's sources. He claims to be in control of his own government. Whether that is the case, remains to be seen.
UPDATED
The Lebanese Prime Minister has strongly refuted the Foreign Ministry's sources. He claims to be in control of his own government. Whether that is the case, remains to be seen.
DefenseNet update
DefenseNet has picked up the following from its monitoring program:
SUMMARY: CNN International reports in an interview with an anonymous State Department official that he believes the Israeli Cabinet view on the bomb which exploded just over half an hour ago was the work of terrorists. A link to Imad Mughniyeh's assassination is being investigated according to the report. An Israeli General who refused to be named reveals that Israel is keeping all options on the table and has raised the readiness state of the military to respond using appropriate means as soon as the perpretrator is identified. In his opinion, the only response to an attack on the Interior Ministry should be a military one.
---
Seperately, Lebanon issued the following press release regarding the Interior Ministry explosion.
"Lebanon expresses its solidarity with Israel, and condemns all forms of violence. Lebanon sincerely hopes that there are no casualties."
---
DefenseNet has intercepted broadcasts indicating that the explosion was a car bomb, and that initial finidings by the specialist bomb handling teams indicate explosives were used that are consistent with Hezbollah's standard operations.
---
The Israeli Defense Minister has issued a statement that "Israel will not stand idly by whilst the lives of its citizens are at risk."
SUMMARY: CNN International reports in an interview with an anonymous State Department official that he believes the Israeli Cabinet view on the bomb which exploded just over half an hour ago was the work of terrorists. A link to Imad Mughniyeh's assassination is being investigated according to the report. An Israeli General who refused to be named reveals that Israel is keeping all options on the table and has raised the readiness state of the military to respond using appropriate means as soon as the perpretrator is identified. In his opinion, the only response to an attack on the Interior Ministry should be a military one.
---
Seperately, Lebanon issued the following press release regarding the Interior Ministry explosion.
"Lebanon expresses its solidarity with Israel, and condemns all forms of violence. Lebanon sincerely hopes that there are no casualties."
---
DefenseNet has intercepted broadcasts indicating that the explosion was a car bomb, and that initial finidings by the specialist bomb handling teams indicate explosives were used that are consistent with Hezbollah's standard operations.
---
The Israeli Defense Minister has issued a statement that "Israel will not stand idly by whilst the lives of its citizens are at risk."
Israeli Government Press Release regarding Imad Mughdiye
The Israeli Ministry of Communications has just issued the following press release over Israel Army Radio:
"Israel strongly condemns the assasination of Imad Mughniyeh and strongly denies any involvement."
An announcement is still due from the Syrian foreign minister later in the day.
There is no word on the press conference on the matter that was meant to be held by the Israeli interior minister.
"Israel strongly condemns the assasination of Imad Mughniyeh and strongly denies any involvement."
An announcement is still due from the Syrian foreign minister later in the day.
There is no word on the press conference on the matter that was meant to be held by the Israeli interior minister.
PRESS RELEASE 11:07
Office of the Prime Minister of Lebanon
"The Lebanese Government feels confident it can deal with this crisis on its own. There are no casualties and only moderate structural damage.
The militia is on stand-by to coordinate help in cooperation with other forces [and] to provide stability."
Carried by Reuters
--end--
"The Lebanese Government feels confident it can deal with this crisis on its own. There are no casualties and only moderate structural damage.
The militia is on stand-by to coordinate help in cooperation with other forces [and] to provide stability."
Carried by Reuters
--end--
Explosion reported outside Israeli Interior Ministry
Taken off Haaretz wires:
An explosion has taken place outside the Israeli Interior Ministy in Tel Aviv. The blast happened just as the Interior Minister was due to deliver a statement regarding the killing of Imad Mugheniye.
There are reports of an unknown number of casualties. It is unclear whether the minister was among the injured.
Emergency crews are at the scene.
More to follow.
---
An explosion has taken place outside the Israeli Interior Ministy in Tel Aviv. The blast happened just as the Interior Minister was due to deliver a statement regarding the killing of Imad Mugheniye.
There are reports of an unknown number of casualties. It is unclear whether the minister was among the injured.
Emergency crews are at the scene.
More to follow.
---
BREAKING NEWS
Ya Libnan, Beirut (10:37)
This is a breaking news announcement.
A major earthquake has been reported in Lebanon's southern regions, centred around the border city of Tyre. It is estimated to have had a magnitude of between 5.5 and 6.5 on the Richter scale.
There is as yet no word of casualties. Modest damage has been reported to buildings, but the fear of aftershocks has caused people to flee to the streets in panic.
The local chieftan, Sheikh Ahmed ali Halwezi, has placed Hezbollah's militia on standby in the region to coordinate the flow of refugees and aid, and to provide general security.
Updates will follow.
Ya Libnan, Beirut (10:37)
This is a breaking news announcement.
A major earthquake has been reported in Lebanon's southern regions, centred around the border city of Tyre. It is estimated to have had a magnitude of between 5.5 and 6.5 on the Richter scale.
There is as yet no word of casualties. Modest damage has been reported to buildings, but the fear of aftershocks has caused people to flee to the streets in panic.
The local chieftan, Sheikh Ahmed ali Halwezi, has placed Hezbollah's militia on standby in the region to coordinate the flow of refugees and aid, and to provide general security.
Updates will follow.
Protests in Beirut turn violent
HAARETZ, Tel Aviv (10:14)--
A protest to commemorate the anniversary of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's 2005 assasination has suddenly turned violent with clashes reported between the mourners and another concurrent protest, called by Hezbollah to express their anger at Imad Mughniyeh's recent killing.
It is not immediately clear what the cause of the clashes was, but it seems that the two groups tried to use Beirut's main square for the gathering at the same time. When it became clear that they backed different causes, isolated clashes broke out.
Figures on casualties have yet to be released. It would appear that the protest was broken up by Lebanese police forces, but that several officers may have been killed by Hezbollah supporters in the process.
The Lebanese Prime Minister's Office has issued a statement condeming the violence and calling for calm. "This protest by Hezbollah was not sanctioned by the government and we call on Hezbollah to refrain from inflaming tensions any further, especially on this [the] day of rememberance of our martyred Prime Minister Hariri."
Imad Mughniyeh was killed by a car bomb in Damascus on Wesdnesday. Thus far nobody has claimed responsibility, but it is believed that there was either Iranian or Syrian involvement.
Syrian foreign minister Walid al-Moualem said earlier today he will present "irrefutable" evidence of who was behind the killing. While he would not comment on specifics at the time, it is widely assumed that he will lay the blame on Israel's doorstep. At the news conference where his announcement was made, he made mention of Imad Mughniyeh having been "the target of lots of intelligence agencies" and further declared that the fighter's death had "assassinated all efforts for peace between Israel and Syria."
It is not known what the reaction to such an announcment would be, given Mughniyeh's status as virtually retired among militants. However, Hezbollah's protests today are an indication that the group intends to use the killing as a justification for further attacks against Israel.
It is also not clear whether the Lebanese political establishment will be targeted. Hezbollah has already made a declaration that "anyone who tries to stand in the way of Allah's wrath and defend the Zionists from our righteous retaliation will not go unpunished," possibly indicating it sees the Lebanese government as complicit.
Israeli military has had its alert status elevated. Northern border towns are advised to remain vigilant for possible Kassam rocket attacks. The Defence Minister will make an statement on the situation on Israeli Army Radio at 11:00 local time.
A protest to commemorate the anniversary of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's 2005 assasination has suddenly turned violent with clashes reported between the mourners and another concurrent protest, called by Hezbollah to express their anger at Imad Mughniyeh's recent killing.
It is not immediately clear what the cause of the clashes was, but it seems that the two groups tried to use Beirut's main square for the gathering at the same time. When it became clear that they backed different causes, isolated clashes broke out.
Figures on casualties have yet to be released. It would appear that the protest was broken up by Lebanese police forces, but that several officers may have been killed by Hezbollah supporters in the process.
The Lebanese Prime Minister's Office has issued a statement condeming the violence and calling for calm. "This protest by Hezbollah was not sanctioned by the government and we call on Hezbollah to refrain from inflaming tensions any further, especially on this [the] day of rememberance of our martyred Prime Minister Hariri."
Imad Mughniyeh was killed by a car bomb in Damascus on Wesdnesday. Thus far nobody has claimed responsibility, but it is believed that there was either Iranian or Syrian involvement.
Syrian foreign minister Walid al-Moualem said earlier today he will present "irrefutable" evidence of who was behind the killing. While he would not comment on specifics at the time, it is widely assumed that he will lay the blame on Israel's doorstep. At the news conference where his announcement was made, he made mention of Imad Mughniyeh having been "the target of lots of intelligence agencies" and further declared that the fighter's death had "assassinated all efforts for peace between Israel and Syria."
It is not known what the reaction to such an announcment would be, given Mughniyeh's status as virtually retired among militants. However, Hezbollah's protests today are an indication that the group intends to use the killing as a justification for further attacks against Israel.
It is also not clear whether the Lebanese political establishment will be targeted. Hezbollah has already made a declaration that "anyone who tries to stand in the way of Allah's wrath and defend the Zionists from our righteous retaliation will not go unpunished," possibly indicating it sees the Lebanese government as complicit.
Israeli military has had its alert status elevated. Northern border towns are advised to remain vigilant for possible Kassam rocket attacks. The Defence Minister will make an statement on the situation on Israeli Army Radio at 11:00 local time.
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