Lebanon’s Defence Minister Targeted by Gunfire Amid Rising Instability
In Beirut on Thursday, an apparent assassination attempt targeted Lebanese Defense Minister Maurice Slim’s vehicle. Two bullets struck the car, but Slim remains unharmed, as reported by Lebanon’s official National News Agency. This episode took place in Beirut’s Jisr El Basha region.
Just a day prior, a truck transporting ammunition for Hezbollah toppled in Kahaleh, east of Beirut. The aftermath saw a violent clash between the truck’s escorts and locals, resulting in two casualties. Reuters identified the deceased as a Hezbollah member and a local from a mainly Christian village where the incident occurred. According to Hezbollah’s Al-Manar news outlet, “militiamen” initiated the violence, aiming to confiscate the truck. Conversely, the Christian militia Lebanese Forces countered this claim, accusing Hezbollah of targeting civilians.
This volatile backdrop in Lebanon is further intensified by an ongoing economic crisis and a political vacuum. The parliament has been unable to elect a new president since Michel Aoun’s departure last October. Amid this chaos, Hezbollah’s nominee, Suleiman Frangieh, has faced significant opposition, particularly from Lebanese Forces and other Christian factions.
The Lebanese Forces, under Samir Geagea’s leadership, has historically been a staunch adversary of Hezbollah. Their rivalry dates back to Lebanon’s civil war that concluded in 1990, with both factions fighting on opposing fronts.
Information for this briefing was found via Al Jazeera and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
