Lebanese rescuers treated more than 300 people for injuries during hours of clashes between security forces and protesters that rocked central Beirut on Saturday night, reported Reuters.
It was the highest toll in some of the most intense violence since largely peaceful protests erupted across the country in October. As Lebanon sinks deeper into its worst economic crisis in decades, anger has boiled over at a ruling elite dominating the country since the 1975-1990 civil war.
The Lebanese Red Cross said it had treated 220 people who were wounded on both sides on Saturday night, taking 80 of them to hospital. The Civil Defence said it had helped 114 others.
Smoke enveloped a commercial district of the capital as security forces fired volleys of tear gas and unleashed water cannons. Riot police chased after men and women near Lebanon’s parliament late into the night.
Read: At least 100 detained during 2 days of demonstrations in Beirut
Protesters, with their faces covered, hurled stones, steel barriers and flower pots. They ripped branches off trees and signposts off the ground, charging at riot police.
In three months of protests, which have gripped the country and pushed Prime Minister Saad Hariri to quit, politicians wrangling over cabinet seats have failed to agree a new government or a rescue plan.
Meanwhile, the crisis is biting – the Lebanese pound has lost nearly half its value, dollar shortages have driven up prices and confidence in the banking system has collapsed.
UN official: Lebanon politicians to blame for economic collapse
Security forces fire tear gas canisters as they clash with protestors during a protest against the country’s economic and political situation in Beirut, Lebanon on January 18, 2020 [Mahmut Geldi / Anadolu Agency]
Security forces use water cannons during a protest against the country’s economic and political situation in Beirut, Lebanon on January 18, 2020 [Hussam Chbaro / Anadolu Agency]
Security forces fire tear gas canisters during a protest against the country’s economic and political situation in Beirut, Lebanon on 18 January 2020 [Mahmut Geldi/Anadolu Agency]
Protesters take cover as they clash with security forces during a protest against the country’s economic and political situation in Beirut, Lebanon on January 18, 2020 [Mahmut Geldi / Anadolu Agency]
Lebanese people protest against the country’s economic and political situation in Beirut, Lebanon on January 18, 2020 [Mahmut Geldi / Anadolu Agency]
A demonstrator speaks through a megaphone during a protest against the country’s economic and political situation in Beirut, Lebanon on January 18, 2020 [Mahmut Geldi / Anadolu Agency]
Security forces use water cannon on a protester as they clash in a protest against the country’s economic and political situation in Beirut, Lebanon on January 18, 2020 [Mahmut Geldi / Anadolu Agency]
Security forces attack protesters during a protest against the country’s economic and political situation in Beirut, Lebanon on 18 January 2020 [Hussam Chbaro/Anadolu Agency]
Security forces clas with protesters during a protest against the country’s economic and political situation in Beirut, Lebanon on January 18, 2020 [Hussam Chbaro / Anadolu Agency]
Security forces use water cannon on a protesters as they clash with protestors against the country’s economic and political situation in Beirut, Lebanon on January 18, 2020 [Hussam Chbaro / Anadolu Agency]
Protesters clash with security forces following during a protest against the country’s economic and political situation in Beirut, Lebanon on January 18, 2020 [Hussam Chbaro / Anadolu Agency]