Retired Soldiers Protest in Riad Salih with Clashes at the Central Bank of Lebanon

The Coordinating Council for Retired Public Sector Employees held a protest today, Thursday, in Riad Salih Square, with participation from the "Loyalty to the Homeland" group, the Association of Veterans of the Lebanese Armed Forces, and various retired military groups in support of their livelihood demands. This took place amid a heavy security presence from the army, security forces, and riot control units. Protesters raised banners condemning those responsible for the dire and catastrophic economic, financial, and living conditions, along with the banks and the Central Bank of Lebanon. Speakers among the demonstrators denounced "the officials who have stolen from their people and destroyed the country and all of its institutions and administrations," warning "the authority against diluting and losing their rightful cause, which could lead to an uncontrollable escalation," while demanding that "the Sayrafa exchange rate be set at 22 dollars." A number of protesters moved in front of the Central Bank of Lebanon to demonstrate, and some retired soldiers attempted to remove the barbed wire, leading to clashes with riot control units. Clashes occurred between the Lebanese army and the retired military.