The road was closed in preparation for the Beirut Marathon held on Sunday, however it appeared that the civilian organizers blocking the road did not have any written permission from the Interior Ministry to block the road.

On top of that, Baroud found out that the Internal Security Forces members were not present as well from Karantina toward Martyrs Square.

The minister directly ordered the Internal Security Forces Directorate General to penalize its members responsible of not stopping the closure of public roads -- in absence of any administrational permission -- and of being absent from the route extending from Charles Helou station toward Martyrs Square.

Baroud also asked the Directorate to increase the number of ISF officers and members on the roads.

On the other hand, after being informed of the traffic jam on the Beirut-Jounieh highway -- due to public works at peak time -- Baroud addressed the Council for Development and Reconstruction to halt its works in the daily peak time and in the holidays' period.

Baroud also ordered to prevent roads closures "immediately".