Riots in Lebanon over economy injure 10 soldiers, protesters

Lebanese troops have deployed in the northern city of Tripoli to take up positions around major state institutions after a night of protests and riots against worsening living conditions

BEIRUT -- Lebanese troops deployed in the northern city of Tripoli early Sunday taking positions around major state institutions after a night of protests and riots against worsening living conditions left several protesters and 10 soldiers injured. Sporadic protests were reported throughout Lebanon on Saturday as the country’s 20-month economic crisis worsened. The World Bank described the crisis as one of the worst the world has witnessed in 150 years. It is coupled with a political deadlock that has left Lebanon without a government since August. The largest protests were in the southern port city of Sidon and in Tripoli, Lebanon’s second largest city and most impoverished. Sporadic protests and road closures took place in the capital Beirut. Lebanon has been suffering severe shortages of vital products including fuel, medicine and medical products, angering the public.