Defying stern warnings from both the local government and Beijing, people in seven districts in Hong Kong—most notably teachers, airport workers, and civil servants—participated in a general strike on August 5, shutting down portions of the territory. More than a hundred flights were cancelled. This was the ninth straight week of protests. Youthful demonstrators over the weekend surrounded and attacked police stations, and enraged residents drove riot police from their  neighbourhoods. Roving protesters, dressed for urban combat, created a series of confrontations across the territory, even closing the main tunnel linking Hong Kong Island with the rest of the territory. A beleaguered, demoralized and fatigued police force was unable to keep up with the mobile bands of radicalized youth. Meanwhile there is no firm information of Beijing's plans, except for rumours of PLA/PAP troops massed in Shenzhen in preparation for entering Hongkong. Separately, the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office announced it will speak to the media on August 6, after Chief Executive Carrie Lam issued a stern warning over the unrest. The Hongkong media quoted sources saying a ‘new announcement’ will be made. An official, however, said Beijing’s position on the city remains largely unchanged.