Lebanese soldiers fire live bullets as protesters march on presidential palace

Anti-government activists wanted the walk to be a call for accountability

A Lebanese protester shouts slogans during a demonstration against the lack of progress in a probe by authorities into a monster blast that ravaged swathes of the capital 40 days ago, near the presidential palace in Baabda, east of the capital Beirut. AFP

The damaged windshield of a vandalised police car by the anti-government protesters during a protest on the road leading to the presidential palace in Baabda, east Beirut. EPA

An anti-government protester reacts in front of Lebanese soldiers, during a protest against the Lebanese President Michel Aoun near the presidential palace, in Baabda east of Beirut. AP

Supporters of Lebanese President Michel Aoun remove barriers before the arrival of the anti-government protesters on the road leading to the Presidential palace in Baabda, east Beirut. EPA

An anti-government protester carries a national flag as she shouts slogans in front of the Lebanese army soldiers during a protest on the road leading to the Presidential palace in Baabda, east Beirut. EPA

Anti-government protesters help a policeman who was injured during a protest on the road leading to the Presidential palace in Baabda, east Beirut. EPA

Supporters of Lebanese President Michel Aoun carry his portrait as they gather before the arrival of the anti-government protesters near the presidential palace in Baabda, east Beirut. EPA

A Lebanese army soldier throw stones at anti-government protesters during a protest on the road leading to the Presidential palace in Baabda, east Beirut. EPA

Lebanese protesters face members of the security forces during a demonstration against the lack of progress in a probe by authorities into a monster blast that ravaged swathes of the capital 40 days ago, near the presidential palace in Baabda, east of the capital Beirut. AFP

Lebanese protesters scuffle with security forces during a demonstration against the lack of progress in a probe by authorities into a monster blast that ravaged swathes of the capital 40 days ago, near the presidential palace in Baabda, east of the capital Beirut. AFP

Anti-government protesters try to release their friend from the Lebanese soldiers, during a protest against the Lebanese President Michel Aoun near the presidential palace, in Baabda east of Beirut. AP Photo

Live rounds and rubber bullets were fired by Lebanese soldiers as anti-government protesters tried to march on the presidential palace.

Supporters of President Michel Aoun gathered at the same location for a counter-protest.

Tension is high in Lebanon after last month’s devastating explosion at Beirut’s port, which killed at least 191 people, and another huge blaze at the same site on Thursday.

The blast on August 4 was caused by nearly 3,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate which had been improperly stored at the port for years.

More than five weeks later, it is still not clear what ignited the chemicals, and no one has been held accountable so far.

Anti-government protesters wanted Saturday’s march to the presidential palace in the suburb of Baabda to be a call for accountability.

Hundreds of Lebanese soldiers separated the two camps.

Later, as anti-Aoun protesters tried to break a security cordon blocking their path on the main road leading to the palace, troops fired live rounds in the air, then rubber bullets, to disperse them.

Some protesters threw stones and branches at the troops, injuring several of them. Others sat in the middle of the street, vowing to stay there. A group climbed on a signpost and hung ropes tied into nooses.

The Lebanese army has been clearing the Beirut port wreckage for weeks.

A World Bank report estimated the damage to Lebanon’s transport sector and port alone to be between $580 million (Dh2.13billion) and $710 million.

Several countries have already signalled their interest in reconstruction.

Kuwait was the first to come forward, and France has sent hundreds of soldiers to the city.