SHOTLIST:

BEIRUT, LEBANON (SEPT. 17, 2025) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL)

1. LEBANESE RETIRED SOLDIERS GATHERING TO PROTEST AGAINST LEBANESE GOVERNMENT ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL POLICIES, HOLDING FLAGS AND SETTING FIRE IN BEIRUT'S STREET UNDER SECURITY MEASURES (TWO SHOTS) / SMOKE RISING

2. LEBANESE DEMONSTRATOR SPEAKING TO REPORTER (Arabic)

3. VARIOUS OF DEMONSTRATORS BLOCKING ROAD AND CAUSING TRAFFIC JAM UNDER SECURITY MEASURES / SMOKE RISING

BEIRUT, LEBANON - SEPT. 17: Hundreds of retired soldiers gathered outside the Grand Serail on Wednesday, demanding pension increases to match the salaries of active-duty personnel, as the Lebanese pound has lost 90% of its value against the U.S. dollar.

The protesters, joined by members of the Public Administration Employees Association, chanted slogans condemning the government’s economic and financial policies, waved Lebanese flags and carried banners calling for an end to what they described as injustices.

Demonstrators blocked roads by burning tires in the Sayfi area, including a main road linking Beirut to the north, prompting a heavy security presence and severe traffic congestion.

At Riyad al-Solh Square, some protesters removed barbed wire and attempted to climb the walls of the government building.

Despite calls for calm from retired brigadier generals George Nader and Shamil Rukoz, several demonstrators climbed on fire trucks and set nearby vegetation ablaze.

Lebanese citizens have faced worsening living and social conditions since 2019 due to the currency collapse, falling wages, and the government’s failure to resolve deepening economic problems, driving many young people to seek opportunities abroad.