Beirut: In protest against a decision by North Lebanon Governor Judge Ramzi Nohra on Wednesday to shut down unlicensed scrap yards in the north, several workers set burning tires on the Tripoli-Akkar highway in Beddawi, blocking both lanes and causing severe traffic congestion in the area.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, the protest arose after the governor issued an order targeting unlicensed scrap yard operations, which are prevalent in the region.

The protesters, primarily workers from these scrap yards, expressed frustration and concern over the potential loss of their livelihoods due to the enforcement of the closure order. They took to the highway early in the morning, igniting tires and causing a major disruption to traffic flow on one of the key routes in the area. Local commuters faced long delays as authorities worked to defuse the situation and clear the roadway.

The decision to close the unlicensed scrap yards is part of a broader effort by the government to regulate the industry and address environmental concerns associated with unregulated operations. However, workers argue that the sudden enforcement leaves them without alternative employment options, leading to heightened tensions between authorities and local workers.

Efforts to negotiate with the protesters and find a resolution are ongoing, with local officials urging calm and seeking to engage with community leaders to address the workers’ grievances. The situation remains tense as both sides work towards a possible compromise.