23/4/2026
Issued by the General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division
The following statement:
The General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces renews its warning to citizens regarding the increasing attempts of online fraud via the WhatsApp application. Recently, it has been observed that unknown individuals are exploiting WhatsApp accounts belonging to known persons (friends or relatives) after hacking them, and contacting their contacts by sending fake invitation links to join groups (WhatsApp groups), under the pretext that they include mutual friends.
It has also been found that these links lead to fraudulent pages that request the user to enter or share a verification code (OTP) received via SMS, enabling the fraudster to register the phone number on their device and gain full control over the victim’s WhatsApp account.
After taking control of the account, the fraudster uses it to contact the victim’s contacts in the same manner and may also request sums of money via applications or money transfer services available in Lebanon, impersonating the account owner under various pretexts.
First: The Directorate requests citizens to adhere to the following:
Do not click on any group invitation link from an untrusted source, even if it appears to come from a friend or relative, without verifying directly with them.
Do not share the verification code (OTP) with any person or entity under any circumstances.
Verify any financial request by contacting the account owner directly.
Activate the Two-Step Verification feature on WhatsApp.
Second: How to activate Two-Step Verification on WhatsApp:
Open the WhatsApp application
Go to “Settings”
Select “Account”
Tap on “Two-Step Verification”
Select “Enable”
Create a 6-digit PIN and keep it secure
It is recommended to add an email address (optional)
Press “Save / Done”
After enabling this feature, a fraudster will not be able to access the account even if they obtain the verification code, without also knowing the PIN.
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 individuals who fire weapons, the Damour Police Station of the Regional Gendarmerie Unit received information that an individual had fired shots into the air from a military-grade Kalashnikov rifle from inside a vehicle on the Khaldeh Highway, and had remained at large for approximately two months. Through follow-up and investigations, the station's personnel obtained video footage documenting the perpetrator firing the shots. He had also boasted about his act by posting a video on his WhatsApp Status. It was established that he was identified as: A. A. (born in 2008, Lebanese) On 09-09-2026, following surveillance and monitoring, a patrol from the Damour Police Station arrested him in the Haret El Naameh area. A military-grade pistol, a magazine, and four rounds of ammunition were seized in his possession. During questioning, he admitted to having fired shots into the air using a military-grade Kalashnikov rifle. It was also established that the said weapon had previously been seized by another security agency from another individual, who was arrested several days after the shooting incident. The investigation with the detainee is ongoing regarding his involvement in four incidents of firing weapons, under the supervision of the competent judicial authorities.
21/9/2026
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 combat drug-related crimes and arrest those involved, the Central Anti-Narcotics Bureau of the Judicial Police Unit arrested, in the Zouk Mosbeh area, the following two individuals: M. M. (born in 1955, Lebanese) N. M. (born in 1985, Lebanese) A transparent nylon bag containing marijuana, weighing 7.2 g, two precision scales, and empty transparent nylon bags used for packaging drugs were seized in their possession. With the support of a patrol from the Jdeideh Judicial Detachment, the aforementioned Bureau also arrested three other individuals who were found in possession of narcotics: A. Q. (born in 2000, Lebanese) M. Q. (born in 1996, Lebanese) H. S. D. (born in 1973, Lebanese) When the officers attempted to arrest them, they failed to comply with the orders. As a result, the patrol commander fired a warning shot into the air. No one was injured. A search of the suspects resulted in the seizure of the following: Two nylon bags containing marijuana, weighing 561 g. Four transparent nylon bags containing hashish, weighing 1,492 g. 1,199 Captagon pills. Two marijuana cigarettes. The necessary legal measures were taken against the detainees, who were referred to the competent authority, pursuant to the instructions of the competent judicial authorities.
21/9/2026
The Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division issued the following statement: As part of the ongoing efforts by Internal Security Forces units to combat drug trafficking and distribution and to track down and apprehend those involved, the Mount Lebanon Investigation Detachment received information about a gang involved in drug trafficking and dealing. Following this information, a Detachment unit raided two apartments in a residential building in Ain el-Remmaneh and arrested three members of the gang. Officers seized a handgun and a quantity of various types of narcotics, divided into bags, containers, and plastic boxes and prepared for distribution. They also seized precision scales, tools used for packaging and consuming drugs, mobile phones, and a sum of money. The detainees were identified as: R. Z. (born in 1999, Lebanese national); F. A. D. (born in 1996, Lebanese national); K. K. (born in 1999, Lebanese national). The three detainees, along with the seized drugs and other items, were handed over to the competent unit for the necessary legal action, pursuant to the instructions of the competent judicial authority.
20/9/2026
The Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division issued the following statement: On 19 September 2026, gunfire erupted in the Raouche – seaside Corniche area, injuring a man. He was taken to Makassed Hospital, where he died as a result of severe bleeding in his lung. Description of the deceased:A man in his twenties, approximately 167 cm tall, of slim build, with an olive complexion, black hair, and a black beard. He was wearing black fabric trousers and a black shirt with white patches. Accordingly, and pursuant to the instructions of the competent judicial authority, the Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces asks any relatives who recognize him to contact the Raouche Police Station of the Beirut Police Unit at 01-771962, so that the necessary legal procedures can be completed and the body claimed.
20/9/2026