Assad Supporters Celebrate Presidential Win amid Tensions in Tripoli
Supporters of Syrian President Bashar Assad opened fire in the air and launched fireworks in several Lebanese regions as his expected election victory was officially announced on Wednesday evening, as others roamed the streets in convoys.
“Gunfire erupted in some of Beirut's suburbs and central Bekaa towns in celebration of Assad's win,” LBCI television reported.
Syria's parliament speaker Jihad Laham had announced that Assad has been re-elected by a landslide, capturing 88.7 percent of the vote.
“Gunshots were fired in the air and convoys took to the streets of Baalbek and Hermel in celebration of Bashar Assad's presidential win,” said al-Jadeed TV.
Meanwhile, reveling residents fired gunshots in the air and hurled a hand grenade in the pro-Assad Tripoli neighborhood of Jabal Mohsen.
The celebrations sparked tensions in the neighboring Syria Street, which separates the district from the rival Bab al-Tabbaneh area, according to LBCI.
The developments prompted the army to carry out raids in Jabal Mohsen to arrest the shooters.
According to state-run National News Agency, the Tripoli areas of al-Beddawi and al-Qobbeh also witnessed gunfire.
NNA also said celebratory gunfire erupted in Syrian towns neighboring the northern region of Akkar and that gunshots reached a number of Lebanese border towns and villages.
Y.R.
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