BEIRUT (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 22nd January, 2020) At least three Lebanese police officers were injured in clashes that erupted in the capital Beirut on Wednesday, a day after the formation of a new cabinet ended months of political vacuum.
Demonstrators pelted riot police guarding the parliamentary building with rocks and firecrackers to vent their anger at Prime Minister Hassan Diab's government. Officers responded by firing tear gas.
Several splinter groups of protesters used the cover of the nearby Beirut Souks shopping area and a network of winding alleys to jump the police from behind, a Sputnik correspondent said.
Protesters assaulted police cordons with stones at close quarters, landing blows on three policemen who were hurriedly carried away by fellow officers.
The skirmish ended after extra police forces moved in to break up the crowd but flare-ups continued elsewhere in the shopping area. Lebanese media said many protesters were hurt by tear gas.
