Lebanese army prepares for Independence Day parade in Beirut

Lebanese army preparations for an Independence Day parade next week brought parts of Beirut to a standstill on Friday, as road closures caused delays lasting hours for many of the capital's commuters.

A huge traffic jam stretching far out of the city snarled up the main coastal highway - the chief road running from the north from the capital - and caused chaos in the districts alongside.

Even by Beirut's congested standards, Friday's gridlock was exceptional. Television stations ran live coverage, including comments of angry motorists - some in very colourful language.

Lebanon's decaying roads have been awaiting an overhaul since a 15-year civil war ended in 1990. The army apologised for the chaos in a tweet.