Security tightened over New Year following threats

The Lebanese government has increased the presence of security personnel throughout the country ahead of New Year's celebrations, following threats and a series of bomb attacks this year. "We have doubled our patrols," said an official from the Beirut police who wished to remain anonymous. "From 700 staff we went up to 1,400," he added. Temporary checkpoints have been installed throughout the capital and night and day patrols have been brought up from 8 to 25, with 311 officers patrolling at night. In addition, five security officers are posted at the entrance of every mall. "The army has also posted troops at the entrance of several towns and in public places throughout the country," the police officer said. On 22 December, Prime Minister Fouad Siniora asked the defense and interior ministers to draft an emergency security plan ahead of the festive holidays. The move comes after journalist and MP Gebran Tueini was killed in a car bomb on 12 December. It was the fourth political killing in Lebanon this year, which started with the murder of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri on 14 February, followed by three anti-Syrian journalists and politicians. Syria has been blamed for the bombing, but denies any involvement. A source from the interior ministry said that threats against anti-Syrian politicians and clergymen had increased in the past two weeks. "Every day we have 50 to 60 suspected car bombs, people are panicked," the source explained. In the meantime many citizens have decided to limit their movements. “We heard there are high risks of bomb attacks in Tripoli and I am totally panicked,” said Maha Bitar, a 30 year-old hairdresser from the northern town of Tripoli. “I go to work and come home, no outings, no shopping. And for New Year I am staying home,” she added. “No matter what I say my children will go out on New Year’s eve, all I can do is pray nothing will happen to them,” said Souhayla Baugi, a 45 year-old housewife from Beirut. Many entertainment and shopping centres have been deserted in the run up to New Year celebrations, this has had a devastating impact on the local economy. “Compared to last year, we have a 60 percent loss in terms of revenues for the same time period,” said Moussa Tawk, owner of the Gallery nightclub in down town Beirut. “People are scared,” he added.