An security source reported that a dispute over scarce fuel supplies has sparked sectarian tensions between two neighboring villages, one inhabited by Shia and the other by Christians in southern Lebanon, forcing the army to intervene. Clashes, mostly arising from shortages of gasoline and diesel that disrupt essential services, have become a daily occurrence in Lebanon, raising increasing concerns about a slide into chaos after two years of financial collapse in the country.
The source indicated that around six people were injured in a conflict between the Christian village of Maghdouché and the Shia village of Anqoun. The incident occurred when a resident of Maghdouché filed a complaint with the police after being injured during a dispute over fuel on Friday, prompting police to arrive in Anqoun for an investigation. Villagers reportedly blocked roads and set tires on fire while troops were deployed. The situation calmed down by Monday.
The Shia Movement Amal, led by Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri, condemned the violence and stated that it was in no way connected to what happened in Maghdouché, denying social media allegations regarding its involvement.
The financial collapse, which has led to the currency losing more than 90% of its value over two years and pushed more than half of the population into poverty, entered a new phase this month as fuel shortages paralyzed movement across most of Lebanon. On Friday, the Grand Mufti of the country, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, the highest Sunni religious leader, warned that Lebanon is heading towards a complete collapse unless actions are taken to address the crisis.
The financial collapse has been exacerbated by political paralysis, with the country lacking a government since the last one resigned following the Beirut port explosion last year. Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati, the third person selected to form a government since the previous government’s resignation, stated on Friday that there are significant obstacles hindering the process.
