3 Dead, 10 Hurt in Clash over Removal of Illegal Constructions in Tripoli

Three people were killed and at least 10 others were hurt in clashes over the removal of illegal constructions in the Tripoli area of al-Beddawi on Sunday, state-run National News Agency reported.

“A protest over the removal of illegal construction in the Wadi al-Nahleh area in al-Beddawi erupted into a major clash between residents and security and military forces, which involved gunfire,” NNA said.

The clash left Mohammed Abdullah Seif and Mahmoud Rayya dead and more than 10 other people wounded, the agency added. It later reported that a member of the Internal Security Forces died of wounds incurred in the clashes.

NNA said two other people were critically wounded, identifying them as Omar Mahdi Seif and Haroun Mohammed Seif.

The wounded were rushed to hospitals in the area.

“Residents set ablaze two vehicles belonging to the Internal Security Forces and one of them exploded after being torched,” the agency added.

Around an hour later, NNA said a state of cautious calm engulfed the area after the withdrawal of security and military forces from the streets of Wadi al-Nahleh and Jabal al-Beddawi.

“When residents learned of the death of Seif and the wounding of others, they blocked all the routes leading to Wadi al-Nahleh with burning tires, as dozens of them headed to Monla Hospital in Tripoli to donate blood,” the agency added.

Dignitaries from the Seif family then intervened to pacify the situation and secured the withdrawal of two ISF vehicles and an army vehicle after they were badly damaged, the agency said.

Meanwhile, a political-security meeting got underway at State Minister Ahmed Karami's residence, with the participation of MPs Mohammed Kabbara and Samir al-Jisr, a representative of caretaker Finance Minister Mohammed Safadi and the commanders of security and military agencies.

“The conferees are discussing the current security situation in the al-Beddawi area and today's incidents in Wadi al-Nahleh,” NNA said.

The agency also reported that the wounded Abdullah Seif -- the father of one of two civilians killed in the clashes -- launched efforts immediately after his discharge from hospital, together with the dignitaries of the Seif family and the municipal chief, to convince the angry protesters to reopen the international highway that links Tripoli to Akkar and Syria, which was blocked at the intersections of Wadi al-Nahleh and al-Mankoubin.

NNA said many citizens were “stranded” on the aforementioned highway.

On Saturday, Internal Security Forces deployed heavily in the region as several demonstrators blocked different roads in al-Beddawi, mainly the Wadi Nahle entrance, with burning tires and garbage bins.

Last week, the ISF kicked off a campaign to quell building violations in the northern city.