Violent protests erupt near US Embassy in Beirut – By Kyle Balluck (thehill.com) / Dec 10 2017
Violent protests against President Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital broke out on Sunday near the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, according to multiple reports.
Reuters reported that security forces blocked the main road to the embassy and used water canons and tear gas on protesters who hurled projectiles toward personnel.
The demonstrators set fire to Israeli and U.S. flags, the news service added.
Several protesters were arrested, according to The Associated Press, which noted that Palestinian refugees make up approximately 10 percent of Lebanon’s population.
Al Jazeera, meantime, reported that some protesters attempted to pass through the barricade set up by security forces.
Breaking with decades of precedent, Trump last week announced the U.S. would recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and instructed the State Department to begin the process of moving the U.S. Embassy there from Tel Aviv. Trump, however, signed a six-month waiver halting the embassy move.
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut had “cancelled all non-essential movements” on Sunday due to reports of potential protests.
“U.S. Embassy Beirut is aware that several groups have announced public protests following the U.S. announcement of a new policy with regard to the status of Jerusalem,” it said in a statement on Friday.
“Demonstrations have the potential to become violent,” it added. “U.S. Embassy Beirut reminds U.S. citizens of the need for caution and awareness of personal security. We urge U.S. citizens to avoid all protests.”
The U.S. Embassy in Jordan also warned of the potential for violent demonstrations following Trump’s decision and urged American citizens in the country to “maintain a low profile.”
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/364141-protests-rage-near-us-embassy-in-beirut
PB/TK – More riots on US Embassies in the Middle East, so what’s to say (and pray it does not happen) another Benghazi may happen
