The Lebanese area of Khalda witnessed violent armed clashes on Sunday afternoon between the "Arab Tribes of Khalda" and Hezbollah members, following an armed ambush targeting the funeral procession of Ali Shibli, a Hezbollah official who was killed on Saturday in a revenge crime at a wedding in the Ghiye area south of Beirut.
Security sources informed "Sky News Arabia" that Ali Shibli was killed in a revenge crime by a young man from the Ghosn family of the Arab tribes. The ambush against his funeral procession resulted in the deaths of four Hezbollah members, while others were trapped. The death toll from the clashes in Khalda rose to five. The fighting extended from the inner area of Khalda to the highway between Beirut and Sidon.
Sources indicated that among the deceased was a person from the Houri family, a relative of Ali Shibli, and a passerby on the Khalda highway, in addition to several injuries following the funeral procession, including a soldier. Residents of Khalda called on the Lebanese army to intervene and stop the clashes, while armed presence continued from supporters of the Arab tribes, as well as mobilization from Hezbollah members.
The Lebanese army reinforced its presence in the Khalda area, receiving orders to shoot directly at any armed individuals. Injured individuals were later transferred using civilian vehicles due to the absence of Red Cross vehicles, with the army assisting in transporting the wounded with the help of citizens and their private cars. The Red Cross later called for an "immediate ceasefire" to facilitate the evacuation of the injured.
Witnesses reported that the situation was "very difficult," noting attempts by the army to control the situation, with reinforcements arriving in about ten military vehicles. A local source mentioned that many citizens were enjoying their weekend at swimming pools, and many were still stranded and unable to return to their homes. He pointed out that several injured were taken to a nearby restaurant to allow ambulances to reach them.
Sources indicated that the body of Shibli and his family members remained trapped in Shibli’s house in Khalda. However, with security reinforcements in the area, the body was evacuated via a Red Cross ambulance.
### Cautious Calm
Field sources reported that gunfire ceased since 6:00 PM, but the situation remained "tense." An eyewitness stated that the army had entered more reinforcements into the area, adding that some residents had fled to other regions.
"Sky News Arabia" learned that the Lebanese army set up a checkpoint on the airport road, preventing motorcycles from entering Khalda.
### Intensive Communications
Efforts are currently underway on multiple security and political levels to regain control of the situation, and the southern Beirut road has been closed to ensure citizen safety.
A statement from the presidential palace expressed sorrow over the events, confirming that President Michel Aoun requested "immediate" measures to restore calm on the international road and promote cooperation to "quell the strife."
The Future Movement leadership is also coordinating and making contacts to stabilize the situation, calling on all concerned parties to stand in solidarity with the army and the movement.
Moreover, MP Walid Jumblatt called for halting fire from those who shot yesterday and today, emphasizing the need for a "general tribal reconciliation" as the Sidon road is "everyone's road."
It is worth noting that a statement from the Union of Sons of Arab Tribes in Lebanon warned, “We have previously warned against what is currently happening,” addressing Hezbollah by stating, "We have time to stop the strife; we are not advocates of war," and urging the army leadership and spiritual leaders to "stop the strife." Hezbollah, in turn, issued a statement considering the "ambush to be orchestrated," calling for decisive army intervention.
