Hezbollah supporters protested in Beirut against the blockage of an Iranian flight by Lebanese authorities, leading to clashes with security forces. The flight, denied landing rights, left many passengers stranded, while tensions surrounding the incident reflect ongoing political complexities in Lebanon and Iran’s influence through Hezbollah. The Lebanese government’s rationale for the decision remains unclear, fueling further agitation among protestors.
Tensions escalated in Beirut on Thursday as Hezbollah supporters protested the Lebanese authorities’ decision to block an Iranian Mahan Air flight from landing at Rafic Hariri International Airport. Demonstrators, brandishing Hezbollah flags and images of leaders, set tires on fire and chanted against the government’s action, reflecting widespread frustration over the situation.
The flight from Tehran to Beirut was scheduled for February 14, yet was denied landing rights by Lebanon’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation. A Lebanese airport official confirmed that the Ministry of Public Works and Transport instructed the airport to deny Mahan Air access for the two planned flights, with no rationale provided for this decision.
The cancellation stranded passengers at both Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport and Beirut’s Rafic Hariri Airport, causing significant distress and anger among travelers. Following this news, Hezbollah supporters mobilized in large numbers, obstructing access to the airport and engaging in protests characterized by burning tires and vehement slogans against the ban.
The Lebanese Army intervened in an attempt to mitigate further incidents, striving to clear access routes and restore order. Clashes occurred as protesters confronted security forces, highlighting the high level of tension in the area amid efforts to resume normal airport operations.
The flight cancellations ignited a substantial debate within Lebanon, with Hezbollah and its allies asserting that the decision was politically charged. Lebanese lawmaker Ibrahim Mousawi criticized the action, labeling it a violation of Lebanese sovereignty and accusing the international community of negligence regarding these occurrences.
Hezbollah has consistently refuted claims of utilizing Beirut’s airport for purposes related to arms and financial operations. In order to address these concerns, Lebanese authorities have reportedly intensified inspections of incoming flights, particularly those from Iran.
To date, the Lebanese government has remained largely silent on the issue, providing no official rationale for the block placed on Mahan Air flights. Hezbollah supporters are intensifying their demands for a government explanation and an immediate reversal of the decision, reflecting the heightened stakes surrounding the incident.
This episode notably highlights Iran’s ongoing intervention in the Middle East, exemplified through its affiliations with proxies such as Hezbollah, which aim to extend its influence and create instability in the region. Observers caution that Tehran’s strategic appropriation of civilian infrastructure in pursuit of geopolitical interests may worsen existing tensions and contribute to further regional unrest.
In summary, Hezbollah supporters in Beirut vehemently protested the Lebanese authorities’ decision to block an Iranian Mahan Air flight, igniting clashes and accusations of political motivations behind the cancellation. The incident underscores the complexities of Lebanon’s political landscape, as well as Iran’s pivotal role in regional destabilization through entities like Hezbollah. As the situation develops, the government’s silence may further increase pressure and unrest amid demands for clarity regarding the flight ban.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
