armed

Herbert said his officers had no way of knowing if Bates was armed, adding that she had disobeyed officers’ orders to surrender.

But questions remain about how the Lebanese troops would operate against Hezbollah, which is heavily armed and backed by Iran, amid fears this could exacerbate sectarian tensions.

The neighbourhood was cordoned off after residents barricaded streets, some armed with machetes and makeshift weapons, in an apparent effort to prevent a gang invasion.

Mr Cotler was provided with bulletproof vehicles, heavily armed officers and other security measures for protection.

An armed royal protection officer who lied about losing a bullet in the grounds of Buckingham Palace and covered it up for eight days has been sacked.