EDL: Break-in by youths at Beirut station, warns of power cuts

Several youths broke into a power station in Beirut Saturday in order to restore electricity to the area where they live, Electricite Du Liban said in a statement, adding that their continued presence at the station could lead to power cuts in the capital. “At about 5 p.m. a number of youths broke into Beirut’s central power station and vandalized equipment and tools. They also planned to set tires on fire and then threatened the duty office and forced him out in an attempt to restore electricity to the area where they reside,” EDL said. The state-run company condemned the attack and called on authorities to expel the youth from the station. It also warned that the continued presence of the youth at the station could result in power cuts in parts of the capital. “In the event [the youths] do not leave the station, [EDL] will be forced to isolate the station completely to safeguard the facilities and staff, which will lead to power cuts in the Beirut area and parts of the southern suburbs.” (daily star)