Lebanon

Lebanon: shots fired at US Embassy

21 September 2023; MEMO: Shots were fired outside the US Embassy in Lebanon late on Wednesday evening, but no casualties were reported, Reuters has reported.

“Small arms fire was reported in the vicinity of the entrance of the embassy at 10.37pm local time,” explained Embassy Spokesman Jake Nelson. “There were no injuries, and our facility is safe. We are in close contact with [the Lebanese] law enforcement authorities.”

Experts call for boosting growth, exports to further narrow Lebanon's trade deficit

BEIRUT, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Experts called on Lebanese authorities to strengthen industry and agriculture sectors to increase exports and further reduce the trade deficit, which has seen a contraction of nearly 6 percent to 8.2 billion U.S. dollars in the first seven months of 2023 compared to a year earlier.

Lebanese security forces bust human smuggling network

BEIRUT, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese security forces on Friday busted a human smuggling network operating between Syria and Lebanon, the National News Agency reported.

The network of five Syrian nationals smuggles people from Lebanon's northern region of Wadi Khaled to the southern city of Nabatieh in exchange for a sum of money, according to the report.

The suspects were referred to judicial authorities for investigation, the report added.

Lebanon, Britain Launched Joint Military Exercise

BEIRUT, Sept 13 (NNN-NNA) – Lebanon and Britain launched a joint military exercise in central Lebanon, yesterday, the British embassy in Lebanon said in a statement.

More than 65 military personnel from the British Army’s Second Battalion, joined the exercise with their counterparts from Lebanon’s Air Assault Regiment, it added, without specifying the number of Lebanese soldiers.

The 10-day exercise takes place at the Dani Harb Barracks in Ghosta, a municipality located 36 km north of Beirut.

Lebanon: Fighting between rival US-backed groups in Syria could undermine war against the Islamic State group

BEIRUT (AP) — The weeklong clashes between rival U.S.-backed militias in eastern Syria, where hundreds of American troops are deployed, point to dangerous seams in the coalition that has kept a lid on the defeated Islamic State group for years. That could be an opportunity for the radical group to reemerge.

Lebanese premier warns Syrian refugees pose a danger to the small nation’s balance

BEIRUT (AP) — Over a thousand Syrian refugees each week fleeing to Lebanon from their country’s worsening economic and financial conditions “could create harsh imbalances” in the small Mediterranean nation, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati warned Thursday.

Over the past months, thousands of Syrian citizens made it to Lebanon through illegal crossing points seeking a better life. But Lebanon is going through its own four-year meltdown, with a drowning economy pinning its hopes on tourism and crumbling infrastructure where electricity and water cuts are widespread.

Over 100 Lebanese Judges Went On Strike For More Pay Amid Dire Living Conditions

BEIRUT, Sept 2 (NNN-NNA) – Around 111 Lebanese judges, yesterday, announced their cessation of work, amid a shortage of funds, to guarantee the regular operation of Lebanon’s judiciary bodies.

The judges released a statement, saying, they have to do so “in light of the state’s inability to cover medical care and education for themselves and their families, and with the lack of decent working conditions.”

They added that, the strike would continue until Lebanese authorities can successfully secure them dignified living and working conditions.

Qatar To Offer 30-Million-USD Fuel Aid To Lebanese Army

BEIRUT, Sept 1 (NNN-NNA) – Qatar announced yesterday that, it would supply the Lebanese army with fuel aid valued at 30 million U.S. dollars, over a period of six months.

Lebanese Army Commander, Joseph Aoun, thanked Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for the generous donation, it reported.

Aoun said, the Lebanese army appreciated Qatar for standing by Lebanon’s military establishment and being committed to providing various forms of support to the military.

Iranian FM Arrived In Lebanon For Official Visit

BEIRUT, Sept 1 (NNN-NNA) – Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, arrived in Beirut yesterday, for an official visit to Lebanon, after wrapping up his tour in Syria.

Upon his arrival at the airport, the Iranian diplomat told the press that, his country called on the international community to help Lebanon, which has been mired in a major financial crisis and political impasse.

UNRWA Seeks 15.5 Million USD To Address Emerging Needs In Lebanon’s Palestinian Refugee Camp

BEIRUT, Aug 31 (NNN-NNA) – The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), yesterday said, it is seeking 15.5 million U.S. dollars, to address the emerging needs arising from armed clashes in Ain Al-Helweh Palestinian refugee camp, in southern Lebanon.

“Thousands of civilians were forced to flee their homes, which were damaged or destroyed. All eight UNRWA schools, providing education for 5,900 children, have been occupied by armed militants and severely damaged,” the agency said in a statement.

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