As investigations continue into the violent events that took place in the Tayouna area of Beirut, sources close to the Lebanese Forces party led by Samir Geagea told "Al Arabiya/Al Hadath" that elements from the army intelligence came to Maarab (his residence) on Monday morning to inform him about the need to give his statement regarding these events at the Ministry of Defense. However, he was not present, and the notification was posted on the door.
The sources clarified, "It is too early to say whether Geagea will go to the Ministry of Defense or not," but they confirmed that "the goal of summoning Geagea to the Ministry of Defense is to intimidate him and subjugate the forces, and a triumph of the notion of a non-state over the state," referring to Hezbollah. Additionally, they emphasized that "the party is studying all legal steps, and there will be positions taken by its MPs, ministers, and leaders regarding the file."
**"Witness, Not a Suspect"**
It was explained that Geagea is being summoned as a witness, not as a suspect in what they termed the "Invasion of Ain al-Rahmana." They added that all parties should be summoned, not just one. The sources also deemed "the notification to Geagea alone among other parties as evidence of the political targeting that 'the Forces' are facing due to their steadfast and advanced positions on the matter of the port explosion."
A few days ago, Geagea confirmed that he would not appear for questioning unless Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah also did, accusing his elements of invading Ain al-Rahmana, which once served as a frontline area during the civil war. Meanwhile, the government commissioner at the military court, Judge Fadi Akiki, on Monday, according to the official agency, charged 68 individuals with crimes including murder, attempted murder, incitement to sectarian strife, possession of unlicensed weapons, and vandalism.
It is noteworthy that the triangle of Tayouna, Ain al-Rahmana, and Adliya witnessed violent clashes on October 14, sparked by a demonstration by Hezbollah supporters in front of the Justice Palace calling for the removal of Judge Tarek Bitar, who is overseeing the Beirut port explosion file. However, the situation quickly escalated as Hezbollah supporters and their ally, the Amal Movement, began firing and launching projectiles. Unknown snipers' gunfire echoed in the area before the party and its ally displayed their heavy weapons, reminiscent of the militia chaos during the bitter civil war.
