Security measures were beefed up on Saturday in the Lebanese capital Beirut and other cities on the anniversary of Ashura, a religious ceremony celebrated by Sunni and Shia Muslims.

Security authorities and elements of Hezbollah closed many streets especially that which have many Shiite residents.

The streets became vacant especially that today is an official day off.

Most of the citizens preferred to stay away from the areas were there are tight security measures amid fears that terrorist attacks targeting the Shiites' celebrations with Ashura might take place.

Source: AFP