BEIRUT: Seven soldiers and a number of protesters were wounded during a scuffle between the Lebanese Army and Free Patriotic Movement supporters near the Grand Serail in Downtown BeirutThursday, the military said.
The violence began when supporters of MP Michel Aoun charged through an Army barrier in Downtown Beirut and marched toward the Grand Serail where the Cabinet was meeting.
But they only advanced about 50 meters until being stopped by a second line of soldiers.
The Army had tried in vain to hold back the protesters who took to the streets about an hour after Prime Minister Tammam Salamangrily shouted at FPM Minister Gebran Bassil in Cabinet over a month-long political dispute related to security appointments.
Baton-wielding soldiers hit demonstrators as they forced their way through the barrier, causing some to fall to the ground. Some protesters hit back with their flag sticks.