Lebanon is bracing for the funeral of former Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah on Sunday, with authorities implementing strict security measures amid concerns over potential unrest.

The funeral is expected to pose significant security challenges given Lebanon’s fragile political and security situation. Authorities have announced an extensive security plan, including the temporary closure of Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport and heightened security in and around Camille Chamoun Sports City, where the funeral will take place.

Security sources told Sky News Arabia that a comprehensive plan has been developed to secure the event. This includes a heavy deployment of security personnel, with reserve units on standby for immediate intervention if necessary. The Lebanese Army has set up a central operations room at the Henry Chehab barracks to monitor and manage the situation in real-time.

Additional traffic control measures have been introduced. Some roads will be closed, and parking restrictions will be enforced in certain areas to minimize risks. Authorities are preparing for potential disruptions, especially with the expected attendance of high-profile regional figures.

The heightened security measures have raised concerns among Beirut residents, particularly those living near the funeral venue. Many fear that the event could trigger unrest or become a target for violence. Some have chosen to temporarily leave the city to avoid traffic congestion and potential security incidents.

“There’s nothing reassuring about this,” Mustafa Kreidieh, who lives near the sports complex, told Sky News Arabia. “Figures from Hamas, Iran, Yemen, and Iraq will be present, and recent provocations by Hezbollah supporters, including motorcycle convoys waving party flags through residential areas, only heighten our fears. There’s also the risk of random gunfire.”

A woman residing in the area said she decided to leave Beirut ahead of the funeral, citing concerns that “the heightened tensions could lead to an unexpected escalation, especially with the possible presence of high-ranking Iranian officials.”

The anticipated funeral has also led to economic disruptions in the capital. Some businesses and financial institutions have reduced their working hours, while others have decided to shut down completely over the weekend.

“We closed our store early on Saturday morning. We don’t expect any commercial activity with this unprecedented security presence,” the owner of a business near the funeral site told Sky News Arabia.

Pierre Achkar, head of Lebanon’s Hotel Owners’ Syndicate, said that many expatriates and tourists had canceled their reservations due to fears of road closures or unexpected security incidents.

Despite the heavy security presence, concerns remain high among Beirut residents. Unlike previous funerals for Hezbollah leaders, this event is being held in the heart of the capital rather than in the party’s traditional stronghold in the southern suburbs, raising fears of potential instability in the city.