A dispute Monday erupted between street merchants and municipal police in the southern city of Nabatieh, state media reported.

The vendors blocked a road to protest the measures taken by municipal police near a Husseiniya, or a Shiite religious center that hosts Ashoura commemoration events.

The National News Agency said that the street vendors were protesting attempts by security forces to remove them.

Mayor Ahmad Kahil arrived at the scene and negotiated with the street vendors, and managed to restore calm.

Security agencies reinforced their positions during the commemoration ceremonies to avert any plots of sabotage.