Gunman Takes Hostages Inside Lebanese Bank In Beirut

A Lebanese gunman took an unspecified number of hostages at the Federal Bank of Lebanon in central Beirut on Thursday.

The gunman demands the withdrawal of his deposit frozen by the bank over the economic crisis in Lebanon, the local Aljadeed TV channel reported.

According to the channel, the gunman wants to withdraw his $210,000 deposit and a $500,000 deposit of his brother, which were frozen by the bank since the outbreak of the country's economic crisis in 2019, which have forced banks to limit withdrawals of hard currency.

The broadcaster said the gunman tried to get some of his money to pay for his father's medical treatment.

At least two shots were heard inside the bank.

Since late 2019, Lebanon has been grappling with a severe economic crisis, including a massive currency depreciation as well as fuel and medical shortages.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar -