{
  "id": 9333980,
  "title": "Spate of rock-throwing attacks adds to security fears in Beirut",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/spate-of-rock-throwing-attacks-adds-to-security-fears-in-beirut",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-23T12:22:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/09/23/spate-of-rock-throwing-attacks-adds-to-security-fears-in-beirut/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A series of rock-throwing incidents has heightened security concerns in Beirut, Lebanon. The most infamous act involved a rock being thrown from a bridge, killing Muhammad Hamza as he drove on a road connecting central Beirut to the country's sole international airport and the southern suburbs. Taxi drivers express fear while navigating the road, with one stating they check for oncoming attackers on the bridge daily. Previously, criminal activity on the road included theft, but now the threat is more direct and dangerous. The attackers have been using cunning tactics, such as hiding behind trees and feigning help while checking for valuables. Lebanese authorities have arrested one suspect in connection with the killing of Mr. Hamza, who had previously committed similar attacks. The suspect claimed his actions were motivated by relief from tension, but he shaved his beard after the fatal attack to avoid capture. While the arrest of one individual is seen as a positive step, many drivers remain vigilant and cautious while traversing the affected areas.",
  "summary": "The images are stark: a car's front windscreen smashed, with a rock bigger than a football lying on the front seat. The attack that killed Muhammad Hamza while he was driving on Beirut 's airport road – where an assailant hurled the rock from a bridge – is the most notorious of a spate of such incidents in Lebanon 's capital. It adds to a sense of lawlessness on the motorway, which has many…",
  "key_points": [
    "Rock-throwing incidents heighten security fears in Beirut",
    "Taxi drivers check for attackers daily on dangerous bridge",
    "Lebanese authorities arrest suspect, but fear persists"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Spate of rock-throwing attacks adds to security fears in Beirut",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/spate-of-rock-throwing-attacks-adds-to-security-fears-in-beirut-9335277",
        "published": "2026-09-23T12:22:11.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}