Protesters attack banks in Beirut, police fire live rounds

Lebanese security forces fired tear gas outside the central bank on Tuesday night during clashes with protesters.

Protesters were seen smashing bank storefronts and ATMs to show their frustration with the economic crisis that has hit the country. Garbage bins were set on fire and demonstrators kicked tear gas canisters back at riot police as ambulance sirens rang out.

A wave of protests erupted last October against a ruling elite accused of steering Lebanon towards economic disaster. Since Saad al-Hariri resigned as prime minister in late October, politicians have failed to agree on new government or a rescue plan. The Lebanese pound has weakened on the parallel market, a hard currency squeeze has driven up prices and confidence in the banking system has been battered.