BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanese soldiers are reopening major roads that had been closed by protesters for nearly two weeks, paralyzing the country.
There was no significant resistance from protesters as army units with bulldozers took down barriers and tents set up in the middle of highways and major intersections on Wednesday.
The move comes a day after Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his government’s resignation after nearly two weeks of nationwide protests, in the first major win for the protest movement.
The leaderless protesters had mixed opinions on whether they should leave the streets or continue with their campaign, which has left banks, schools and other businesses shuttered since Oct. 18.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called Tuesday on Lebanese leaders to “urgently” form a new government following Hariri’s resignation.
Photo: Lebanese policemen remove concrete set up by anti-government protesters to block a main road in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019. There was no significant resistance from protesters as army units with bulldozers took down barriers and tents set up in the middle of highways and major intersections Wednesday. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)
