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Beirut, Lebanon – At least six people have been killed and dozens of others wounded when gunfire erupted as Hezbollah supporters gathered to protest against the judge investigating the Beirut port explosion.
Hundreds of Hezbollah supporters and allies wearing black gathered at the Beirut Justice Palace on Thursday, calling for the removal of Judge Tarek Bitar from the Beirut Port explosion probe, accusing him of bias.
Bursts of gunfire were heard coming from the nearby Tayyoune neighbourhood, scattering the angry protesters.
At least six people were killed and more than 30 others were wounded by gunfire, the Lebanese Red Cross told Al Jazeera. The identities and affiliations of the shooters were not immediately clear. The army deployed heavily to the area and sent troops to search for the gunmen. It urged civilians to leave the area around the incident.
In a joint statement, Hezbollah and its ally Amal accused the Christian Lebanese Forces party of being behind the shooting.
“Groups from the Lebanese Forces party dispersed on building rooftops and directly sniped with intent to kill,” the statement read. They called on their supporters to remain calm and “not be drawn to malicious discord”.