Issued by the Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement: The Bekaa Investigation Detachment of the Regional Gendarmerie Unit has launched the largest field campaign to crack down on illegal hunting nets, covering a number of areas, orchards, and plains across the Bekaa, as part of efforts to combat the extermination of birds, particularly through the use of nets set up as traps that surround birds, obstruct their migration routes, cause the death of large numbers of them, and lead to the extermination of entire flocks. This turns migration seasons into massacres against birds, threatening biodiversity, disrupting the ecological balance, depleting natural resources, and depriving Lebanon’s skies of its birds. Over three consecutive days, a force from the aforementioned Detachment carried out raids in the outskirts of the town of Arsal, as well as in the plains of the towns of Labweh, Ras Baalbek, Jdeidet Al-Fakha, Jabbouleh, Mashari' Al-Qaa, Masa, and Al-Nasriyeh, to seize illegally installed hunting nets. These operations resulted in the seizure of bird-catching nets with a total area of /20,640/ square meters. As a result of follow-up operations, inquiries, and investigations, members of the Detachment succeeded in identifying a number of individuals involved, and work is underway to take legal measures against them. The seized items were handed over to the relevant units, while the investigation remains ongoing pursuant to the instructions of the competent judicial authorities. The Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces renews its call on citizens to actively contribute to combating illegal hunting and violations targeting migratory birds, and to report violators when they are observed by documenting the violations through photographs or video footage and sending them via the “Balligh” reporting service, so that they can be followed up and the necessary measures taken, or by contacting the Operations Room at /112/.

24/9/2026

Issued by the Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement: On 21-06-2026, in the Ain Saadeh area, unidentified individuals gained access to a factory by climbing into it and stole aluminium parts, doors, and vehicle parts from inside. They then fled in a white “Hyundai” pickup truck to an unknown destination. Following the incident, the relevant units of the Information Branch launched field and intelligence operations to identify and arrest those involved. As a result of inquiries and investigations, the Branch identified the perpetrators, including: K.M. (born in 2003, Syrian). S.M. (born in 2005, Syrian). On 10-09-2026, following a precise surveillance and monitoring operation, an Information Branch patrol arrested the first and second suspects simultaneously in the Mansourieh area. They were aboard a white “Hyundai” pickup truck, which was seized. During questioning, they admitted to the charges against them, namely their involvement with others in carrying out dozens of thefts by climbing into businesses and construction sites, including the aforementioned theft, in the areas of Mkalles, Dekwaneh, Ain Saadeh, Jdeideh, Dora, and Baalchmay. They stated that they stole vehicle parts, metals, wood, and plastic from inside these premises, loading the stolen items onto the pickup truck in which they were arrested or onto another pickup truck belonging to the first suspect. They further stated that they sold the stolen items at a scrap yard in the Bar Elias area. The necessary legal measures were taken against them, and they were handed over to the relevant authority pursuant to the instructions of the competent judicial authorities. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining individuals involved.

24/9/2026

Issued by the Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement: On 12-09-2026, citizen Mohammad Hamzeh (born in 1975), while driving a Renault Rapid in the Sports City area, was struck by a large stone thrown at his vehicle, causing him injuries. He later succumbed to his injuries. Immediately afterwards, the Internal Security Forces units began field operations and took measures to identify and arrest the perpetrator. Following up on the case, it was established that the perpetrator used to walk to the locations where he carried out his acts, coming from the Sabra area. He would throw stones at passing vehicles and then immediately leave the scene, remaining out of sight. As a result of inquiries and investigations, the Information Branch managed to establish his description and instructed the relevant units to intensify surveillance in areas where he was likely to move, until they succeeded in identifying him. It was established that he is: A.F. (born in 1998, Lebanese), who works in scrap collection. It was also established that, following the incident that resulted in the death of Mohammad Hamzeh, he shaved his beard in an attempt to alter his appearance. On 22-09-2026, following a careful surveillance operation covering the routes and areas where he was likely to move, an Information Branch patrol managed to arrest him in the Sabra area. It is noteworthy that, on 21-09-2026, he threw a stone at a passing vehicle in the same area, causing material damage to it. During the preliminary investigation, he admitted to throwing stones in the Sports City area. He claimed that he used to do so when he felt pain and stress, and that he felt relieved after throwing the stones. He stated that he had not intended to kill anyone. The investigation is ongoing under the supervision of the competent judicial authorities.

23/9/2026

Issued by the Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement: As part of the ongoing traffic violations enforcement campaign, pursuant to a decision by the Minister of Interior and Municipalities, and within the framework of its continued efforts to reduce road accidents, protect citizens’ lives, and enhance road safety, the Internal Security Forces units continue to carry out field measures and intensify enforcement against violators. In this context, from 07-09-2026 to 22-09-2026, a total of /29,084/ traffic violations of various types were recorded, most notably speeding, driving without license plates, failure to wear a seat belt, and using a mobile phone while driving, among others. In addition, /985/ violating vehicles and /2,207/ illegal motorcycles were impounded.

23/9/2026

Issued by the Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement: As part of the ongoing efforts by the Internal Security Forces units to combat drug trafficking and distribution, arrest those involved, and reduce the risks posed by this scourge to society, a patrol from the Beirut Investigation Detachment carried out a precise and swift security operation that resulted in the arrest of two individuals in flagrante delicto in the Mar Mikhael – Medawar area. The patrol had monitored a suspicious black “NISSAN SUNNY” vehicle, which was occupied by: M.M. (born in 1994, Palestinian national). M.S. (born in 1997, Lebanese national). Upon searching the two individuals and the vehicle, quantities of narcotic substances prepared for distribution were seized, along with an amount of money and counterfeit banknotes. The seized items are as follows: 20 plastic containers containing cocaine. 6 plastic containers containing cocaine base. An additional quantity of cocaine wrapped in a piece of paper. USD 1,460 in cash. A forged driving licence belonging to the first detainee. The two detainees, along with the seized items and the vehicle, were handed over to the relevant unit to take the necessary legal measures against them, pursuant to the instructions of the competent judicial authorities.

23/9/2026

Issued by the Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement: As part of the ongoing efforts carried out by the Gambling Control Office of the Judicial Police Unit to combat the scourge of illegal online betting, it has been established that some individuals have been renting out their digital financial wallets held with a number of money transfer companies in exchange for money, for use through illegal betting and gambling websites and platforms operated from outside Lebanon. In this context, since July 2026 and to date, more than /331/ digital financial wallets have been frozen, /9/ violators have been arrested, and /44/ wanted notices have been issued. It has also been established that those operating illegal gambling and betting networks make use of digital financial wallets belonging to other individuals and ask bettors to transfer money to these wallets, with the aim of avoiding the detection of the primary accounts used to manage these activities. Therefore, the Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces warns citizens against renting out their digital financial wallets or accounts, or allowing third parties to use them, particularly for money transfers related to illegal gambling and betting websites and platforms, as this may result in criminal liability and legal prosecution. Furthermore, the use of such accounts to facilitate or manage illegal gambling activities may, pursuant to the measures taken and upon the instructions of the competent judicial authorities, result in the freezing of the accounts and the seizure of the funds held therein, in addition to taking legal measures against those involved. Therefore, the Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces calls on citizens not to provide the details of their digital financial wallets and accounts to any person or entity, and not to allow them to be used in exchange for any financial compensation, in order to prevent their exploitation in illegal activities and the resulting legal consequences.

22/9/2026

The Director General of the Internal Security Forces, Major General Raed Abdallah, headed a delegation of ISF officers on an official visit to the Kingdom of Sweden, at the official invitation of the Swedish Police leadership, as part of efforts to strengthen security cooperation and coordination and exchange expertise between the two sides. On 21-09-2026, Major General Abdallah held a series of meetings with the Swedish National Police Commissioner, Ms. Petra Lundh, and her team, in the presence of the members of the delegation, which included: Commander of the Judicial Police Unit, Brigadier General Ziad Kaed Bey; Head of the International Liaison Division, Brigadier General Rony Beitar Ghanem; Head of the Information Branch, Brigadier General Mahmoud Kabrassli; and Head of the Director General’s Office, Brigadier General Georges Khairallah. The meetings addressed ways to strengthen and develop security cooperation between the two institutions. The Swedish Police leadership also expressed its high appreciation for the level of cooperation with the Internal Security Forces and the results achieved, particularly the arrest of a number of dangerous Swedish nationals wanted internationally through INTERPOL. The Swedish side expressed its readiness to provide support to the Internal Security Forces in several areas, with needs and priorities to be identified during subsequent technical meetings between the two sides. For his part, Major General Abdallah provided a detailed overview of the general situation and the challenges facing the Internal Security Forces, as well as its essential needs. He noted that, despite the severe and unprecedented financial crisis and the limited resources available, the ISF continues to carry out its missions and duties to the fullest extent, in order to protect citizens and maintain security and stability. At the conclusion of the meetings, Major General Abdallah and the Swedish National Police Commissioner exchanged commemorative plaques and agreed to continue strengthening coordination and cooperation between the two sides.

22/9/2026

The Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division issued the following statement: As part of the ongoing efforts undertaken by the Internal Security Forces to pursue and arrest perpetrators of various crimes throughout Lebanese territory, On 19-09-2026, a patrol from the Tannourine Police Station of the Regional Gendarmerie Unit became suspicious of a white Nissan Pathfinder SUV in the town of Kfarhelda – Batroun. The vehicle had dark, vision-obstructing windows and no rear registration plate. When the patrol officers attempted to approach the vehicle to verify its identity, the driver sped away and repeatedly attempted to ram the patrol vehicle. The officers pursued him until they managed to intercept and arrest him. He was identified as: – Z. T. (born in 2001, Lebanese) He was wanted by the judiciary on charges of theft and was involved in smuggling Syrian nationals into Lebanese territory. The officers also arrested 13 Syrian nationals (12 men and one woman) who were aboard the vehicle. The investigation revealed that the driver had been transporting the 13 individuals from the border area to Beirut via the mountainous roads of Batroun, in an attempt to avoid security checkpoints. The Syrian nationals were handed over to the relevant authorities to take the necessary legal measures against them. The necessary legal measures were also taken against the driver, pursuant to the instructions of the competent judicial authorities. The investigation remains ongoing to identify all those involved in the smuggling operation.

22/9/2026