Retired army officers on Thursday blocked main roads leading to Beirut, as they have launched a new round of escalatory actions to protest against the 2019 draft austerity budget which includes items that cut their pensions and end-of-service benefits.

Vital roads in Naameh, Jounieh, Dahr Al-Baydar and Madfoun were cut off starting 5:00 AM, while allowing cars to pass every now and then

Road blockages, which were initially expected to end at 10:00 AM, were cut short three hours after they started upon the Army Command's request.

The Lebanese Army released a statement expressing "full solidarity" with the protesters' demands which are directly linked to their livelihoods, their dignity and that of their families, calling on them to open the roads.

Earlier this week, the Army veterans had warned of more "painful" actions should the government fail to meet their demands.

They had previously apologized to the Lebanese for the inconvenience that their protests might cause, saying that this is the only way that makes the ruling authority pay heed to the people.