Conflict Incident Report

Residents in east Lebanon protested against security chaos in the city of Baalbeck.

Locals rallied outside the Baalbeck Serail to denounce rampant crime in their city and its environs, urging the implementation of strict security measures.

Saleh Shall, a prominent figure in the city, held officials responsible for the situation, calling on Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouk to impose order.

"The chronic problem in Baalbeck is summarized by a political class that neglected the area," Shall said.

He said that security forces only act upon direct orders from the government and the ruling class to clamp down on violations.

He warned of a deteriorating security situation in the city.

Mukhtar Abou Shehab Abbas, a local government official, urged the area's lawmakers to assume their responsibilities, vowing to challenge them and those conspiring against the city.

The head of the Union of Baalbeck Municipalities, Nasri Othman said that the "security situation became unbearable. We demand practical measures."

Baalbeck, located in the northern part of the Bekaa Valley, is known as a safe haven for fugitives who enjoy political or local cover.

Kidnappings for ransom, car theft, arbitrary gunfire, murder, among other crimes are rife, both in the city and surrounding towns in the Baalbek district.

Soldiers often clash with outlaws in Baalbek neighborhoods - particularly in Sharawneh - during raids and patrols.

Baalbeck is home to some of the best preserved Roman ruins in the world as well as the annual Baalbeck International Summer Festival. However merchants have complained of a decrease in business recently, due to the city’s unsteady situation.