Beirut rally protests US official's remarks against Hezbollah

Lebanese security forces takes security measures in the area following the Hezbollah supporters carrying Hezbollah flags and photos of their former leader Hassan Nasrallah gather in front of Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport protest against US President Donald Trump’s Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus’ statements against Hezbollah after his meeting with President Joseph Aoun at the Baabda Palace in Beirut, Lebanon on February 7, 2025. [Houssam Shbaro – Anadolu Agency]

Dozens of supporters of the Lebanese group, Hezbollah, on Friday, protested in Beirut against remarks by US deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, following her meeting with Lebanese President, Joseph Aoun, Anadolu Agency reports.

Ortagus said that Hezbollah will no longer “be able to terrorise the Lebanese people” and went on to thank Israel for “defeating the group” during their last round of fighting that was halted on 27 November.

According to the Lebanese state news agency, NNA, dozens of people gathered near the entrance gate of the Beirut airport, protesting Ortagus’ remarks.

The press office of the Lebanese Presidency also issued a statement, stressing that her remarks “don’t concern the Lebanese Presidency.”

Ortagus is the first senior US official to visit Lebanon since US President Donald Trump took office and President Joseph Aoun was also elected in January.

Her visit is part of a broader Middle East tour that includes stops in Israel and possibly Jordan.

The visit comes amid an ongoing political deadlock in Lebanon, where the formation of a new government, led by designated Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, remains stalled due to political disagreements.

READ: US has set ‘red line’ that Hezbollah not join Lebanese government, envoy says

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