What is the background behind closing the ESCWA road?

Exclusive sources told LBC TV station that the UN Secretary General special representative called on the government to undertake extraordinary security measures to secure the UN headquarters in Bir Hassan and the ESCWA building downtown Beirut.

This request came upon an insight hinting at the possibility that the two above-mentioned buildings might be the target of attacks similar to those targeting the UNIFIL in the south.

The same sources said that after a field study conducted by the Internal Security Forces (ISF) for both headquarters, it turned out that no obstacles would prevent them from tightening security procedures in Bir Hassan.

In fact the UN headquarters is not located on a high-way and would not cause heavy traffic allowing the ISF to increase cement blocks and troops. 

The sources also revealed that the ISF is putting careful thought into the UN’s request to close down the road on the right of the ESCWA building leading into Salim Slem tunnel and the airport road.

This procedure would prevent car bombs from passing near the building. The sources clarified that the ISF are taking into consideration the dangers and the credibility of the security information on the one hand and the interests and priorities of the Lebanese on the other.

The head of the traffic police in Beirut, Colonel Mohammad El Ayoubi told LBC that, as of Friday, the following roads will be closed for seven to ten days: All front roads surrounding the ESCWA building eastern Fouad Chehab bridge leading to Riad Solh square as well as the ESCWA tunnel coming from Riad Solh square leading to Salim Slem tunnel.