Security was tight in Lebanon yesterday as several schools remained closed but traffic returned to normal following a “day of rage” over the appointment of a Hizbullah-backed premier.

A heavy army presence could be seen across the country as shops re-opened, but several international schools remained closed fearing another outbreak of demonstrations.

Anti-riot troops patrolled the streets of Beirut and the northern port city of Tripoli, a Sunni bastion and hometown of prime minister designate Najib Mikati who had been nominated for premiership by Iranian-backed Hizbullah and its allies. Banners reading “Mikati, appointed by Khamenei,” Iran’s supreme leader, remained hoisted in Tripoli yesterday as tanks were deployed outside Mr Mikati’s home and offices.

Residents of Tripoli said they also planned to set up a tent in a city square around noon to protest his appointment. Demonstrations against Mr Mikati’s appointment turned violent on Tuesday as protesters burned tyres and temporarily blocked main highways.

Frenzied demonstrators in Tripoli torched an Al-Jazeera van, while in the capital, stone-throwing and baton-wielding protesters attacked media considered close to Hizbullah.

Supporters of outgoing prime minister Saad Hariri, backed by Saudi Arabia and the United States, view Mr Mikati’s appointment as a bid by the Shiite militant group to impose their choice for the premiership, a post reserved for a Sunni Muslim.

Mr Mikati himself is a Sunni Muslim but is viewed by Hariri supporters as a turncoat.

His appointment came after Hizbullah and its allies toppled Hariri’s government in a long-running dispute over a UN court probing the 2005 murder of ex-premier Rafiq Hariri, Saad’s father.

The Netherlands-based Special Tribunal for Lebanon is reportedly readying to indict Hizbullah members in connection with the Hariri murder, a move the militant group has warned against.