Tension returned to the Jabal Mohsen area in Tripoli, northern Lebanon, on Friday, due to electricity outages and the depletion of fuel necessary for private generators. Protesters in Akkar, northern Lebanon, set tires on fire and blocked several roads in the region, protesting against deteriorating social and economic conditions. Demonstrators also blocked the Al-Arida border crossing in Akkar with burning tires. Protests also occurred on the Dhour road north of Beirut, where Lebanese citizens blocked the road with garbage. Earlier on Friday, ten Lebanese soldiers were injured due to stone-throwing and the throwing of a hand grenade by protesters in Jabal Mohsen. Reports indicated that there were injuries among protesters as a result of being shot with rubber bullets during clashes between the two sides. Protests erupted in several areas of Lebanon starting Thursday after Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri apologized for forming a government, citing disputes with President Michel Aoun, despite nine months having passed since his assignment.
### Situation Worsening
Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun stated on Friday that the situation in the country is worsening and will escalate with heightened political and social tensions due to the financial crisis. Addressing military personnel in the Baalbek area of eastern Lebanon, he posted on the army's Twitter account: "The situation seems to be worsening, and matters are heading towards escalation as we face a crisis-laden political and social fate." He added, "Our responsibility is significant at this stage, and we are required to maintain the security and stability of the nation and prevent chaos. Yesterday's experience was an example of that. I congratulate you on your calmness and for denying the opportunity to those who sought to create sedition." The economic collapse, described by the World Bank as one of the worst recessions in contemporary history, has plunged more than half the population into poverty and caused an increasing shortage of essential goods such as fuel and medicine.
