INCIDENT Bullets fired during the New Year celebration have damaged Middle East Airlines aircraft

Bullets fired during the New Year celebration have damaged Middle East Airlines aircraft parked in Beirut. The stray bullets rained down and punctured holes in three MEA aircraft.

The Lebanese tradition of shooting in the air to celebrate events has affected the airline as well as adults and children in Beirut. It was also reported that a Syrian refugee was shot in the head. The MEA planes were parked at Rafic Hariri International Airport.

Although the Beirut Airport’s Security Service had requested the Interior Ministry to suppress this tradition, some parts of Lebanon, including Beirut, witnessed more shootings this year than ever before.

Engineers found that three brand new planes were damaged by stray bullets during an inspection while preparing for flight. The planes were withdrawn from service shortly.

Interior Minister Mohammad Fahmi had previously noted that many people in the country possess illegal arms.