Violence erupts between Lebanese and pro-Assad Syrian youth in Beirut over Syrian elections

BEIRUT — With the Syrian embassies around the world opening their doors to Syrian citizens to participate in the upcoming, and heavily criticized, presidential elections, Lebanese media sources reported that violence erupted between Lebanese and Syrian youths in the Lebanese capital of Beirut.

According to the sources, Lebanese took down flags of the Syrian government and tore up pictures of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during a march organized by pro-Assad Syrians living in Lebanon.

Circulated videos showed jostling between the youth which quickly turned into conflicts and the breaking of car windows. The Lebanese Army immediately intervened and cordoned off the area.