Gunfire broke out in Beirut’s southern suburbs shortly after a ceasefire with Israel came into effect at midnight, prompting arrests and a swift response from Lebanese security forces, according to official statements and witnesses.

The Lebanese Army said it detained nine individuals—including seven Lebanese nationals, as well as one Syrian and one Palestinian—for firing weapons into the air during the night. 

In a statement, the army command said the arrests were carried out as part of security measures implemented following the start of the ceasefire. It added that investigations are underway and that the detainees will be referred to the relevant judicial authorities, while efforts continue to track down others involved.

The Internal Security Forces (ISF) also reported widespread gunfire in several neighborhoods of Beirut's southern suburbs, along with the use of rocket-propelled grenades. The ISF said units were immediately deployed to identify those responsible and take legal action against them.

Authorities warned they would show “zero tolerance” toward any actions undermining public order and urged residents to refrain from celebratory gunfire, citing the serious risks it poses to civilian safety.

According to field reports, chaotic scenes unfolded within minutes of the ceasefire taking hold, as masked individuals fired intensively into the air in what observers described as militia-style displays. The sound of RPG launches was also reported, raising fears for civilian safety.

Residents, already worn down by days of Israeli strikes and ongoing hostilities, described renewed panic and anxiety as the disorder spread.

AFP journalists on the ground confirmed hearing sustained gunfire and RPG launches for more than half an hour after midnight, with tracer rounds visible in the night sky. State media also reported “heavy gunfire” accompanying the start of the 10-day truce, which was announced earlier by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Video footage from the area showed people returning to the southern suburbs—considered a stronghold of Hezbollah—with some waving the group’s yellow flags or carrying portraits of its former leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed by Israel in 2024.

Additional videos circulating on social media showed long lines of cars in southern areas, as displaced residents began making their way back to their homes following the ceasefire.

The scenes triggered widespread criticism online, with many saying the gunfire contradicted the spirit of de-escalation expected to accompany the truce. Social media users called for an immediate end to the practice, warning that it endangered lives and caused damage to property.

Others urged the Lebanese army to intervene decisively to restore order and prevent further incidents, as the country enters what is expected to be a fragile ceasefire period.

بالفيديو - رصاص طائش يصيب ممتلكات المواطنين pic.twitter.com/jZ6KC5AWvX

— kataeb.org (@kataeb_Ar) April 16, 2026

بالفيديو - ملثمون يحتفلون بوقف اطلاق النار بـ "اطلاق النار" pic.twitter.com/dqCffqD7TO

— kataeb.org (@kataeb_Ar) April 16, 2026

لا يزال إطلاق الرصاص والقذائف في الضاحية ومحيطها مستمرا بعد دخول وقف إطلاق النار حيز التنفيذ pic.twitter.com/Rwkcin8lKl

— kataeb.org (@kataeb_Ar) April 16, 2026