BEIRUT - The Lebanese Red Cross announced on Sunday that 169 were injured during Saturday's clashes between riot police and protesters in downtown Beirut, the National News Agency reported.

The clashes broke out following the attempts by protesters to break barbed barriers set up by security forces at the entrance of the roads leading to the parliament's headquarters.

Protesters threw stones and tree branches at security forces, while riot police responded by using water cannons and tear gas.

Lebanon has been witnessing nationwide protests since Oct. 17, 2019 against the ruling political class.

Protesters have been demanding a technocrat government of independent ministers capable of implementing reforms and fighting against corruption.