Lebanese banks to close ‘indefinitely’ as hold-ups continue

Lebanese security forces and press stand outside a branch of Credit Libanais bank held up by an angry depositor demanding access to his savings, in capital Beirut's southern suburb of Haret Hreik [Anwar Amro/AFP]

Lebanese banks have decided to close their doors to clients indefinitely, two bankers have told Reuters, amid an unprecedented wave of hold-ups by frustrated depositors seeking access to their savings.

The two sources told the news agency on Friday that banks would continue urgent operations for clients and back-office services for business, but front-office services would remain suspended.