As the fifth day of protests in Lebanon’s northern city of Tripoli began, the Lebanese Armed Forces declared the deployment of additional troops to the city. This decision was made following major criticism from top politicians and officials regarding the military’s lacklustre attempts to ensure security.
Top politicians including the president and prime minister had made statements on the protests in Tripoli. While President Michel Aoun called for strict punishments on the protestors, designated Prime Minister Saad Hariri questioned who would protect the city if the army can not. The vast majority of officials have criticized the protests, while also condemning opposite parties for causing protests themselves, a year before the 2022 general elections.
The protests, which started on Monday, have left over 250 people injured and led to one fatality reported on Thursday. The protests emerged due to strict lockdown measures imposed and due to the deteriorating socio-economic situation in the country.
