At least six dead and dozens injured in violent Beirut clashes

At least six protesters were killed and dozens injured as clashes erupted in Beirut on Thursday, according to the Lebanese Red Cross and reports published by local media.

The Lebanese army confirmed in the aftermath of the clashes it arrested nine people, including a Syrian citizen. The army also said on Twitter that it remained deployed in the area to ensure violence did not occur again.

Earlier on Thursday, eyewitnesses said they heard at least two explosions near the site where a protest was supposed to be held by Iran-backed Shia militia Hezbollah against a judge who is investigating last year’s devastating blast at Beirut’s port. Thursday’s shootings mark the deadliest civil violence in Beirut since 2008.

Tensions over the probe have boiled for months. Hezbollah and its allies are leading demands to remove Judge Tarek Bitar, who they accuse of bias.

Lebanon’s army said on Thursday protesters in Beirut were fired on while they were heading to the Palace of Justice to hold a demonstration against the judge.

“While protesters were going to the Palace of Justice, they were fired at in the Tayounah area,” an army statement said.