30/10/2026
The Directorate General of Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division
Press Release
As part of the Community Policing Enhancement Project in Lebanon, funded by the European Union and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and within the framework of a plan to rehabilitate a number of model police stations, an inauguration ceremony was held on 29-10-2026 for the Antelias Police Station building, part of the Regional Gendarmerie Unit.
The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of the European Union to Lebanon, Ms. Sandra De Waele; the Acting Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Lebanon, Mr. Thair Al-Shuraideh; the Commander of the Regional Gendarmerie Unit, Brigadier General Jean Aouad, representing the Director General of the Internal Security Forces, Major General Raed Abdullah; as well as a number of local dignitaries and concerned officers.
The ceremony began with the Lebanese national anthem, followed by an address by Ms. De Waele, who reaffirmed the European Union’s continued support for the Internal Security Forces. She noted that this support includes the rehabilitation of security facilities, the provision of vehicles and equipment, and the strengthening of the capabilities of specialized units in combating organized crime, cybercrime, terrorism, and smuggling.
She explained that the European Union Support Mission to Lebanon would contribute to developing the capabilities of the Internal Security Forces by providing advice and specialized training. She also stressed the institution’s essential role in extending the authority of the State throughout Lebanese territory, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. She commended the efforts of ISF officers and personnel in maintaining security, reaffirming the European Union’s commitment to continuing its support for Lebanon and its security institutions.
For his part, Mr. Thair Al-Shuraideh stressed that the rehabilitation of Antelias Police Station marks an important milestone in the partnership between the Internal Security Forces, the European Union, and the United Nations Development Programme. He noted that the project aims to strengthen the operational capabilities of the security institution and improve the services provided to citizens, particularly in light of the security and economic challenges facing Lebanon.
He emphasized the importance of cooperation with municipalities and local communities in strengthening preventive security, pointing out that European support also includes the rehabilitation of other security facilities, the provision of vehicles and equipment, and the implementation of training programmes, thereby enhancing the readiness and deployment capabilities of the Internal Security Forces throughout Lebanon.
He also commended the pivotal role played by the Internal Security Forces in extending the authority of the State and protecting citizens, as well as the efforts of its officers and personnel despite the difficult circumstances. He reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to continuing to support the institution and strengthening its capacity to carry out its duties.
In a related address, Brigadier General Aouad stressed that the rehabilitation of Antelias Police Station constitutes an important step towards strengthening the capabilities of the Internal Security Forces and developing their security services, thereby helping to reinforce citizens’ trust in State institutions. He praised the dedication of ISF officers and personnel, who have continued to fulfil their duties despite the security and economic challenges and difficult circumstances.
He underlined the importance of cooperation with municipalities and local communities in enhancing preventive security, referring to initiatives that include improving street lighting, deploying electric motorcycle patrols, and conducting awareness activities.
He also expressed his appreciation for the European Union’s support and the partnership with the United Nations Development Programme in rehabilitating security facilities, providing equipment and vehicles, and delivering training, thereby enhancing the institution’s readiness and ability to carry out its duties.
He concluded by thanking all the parties that contributed to the completion of the project, reaffirming the Internal Security Forces’ commitment to continuing to fulfil their mission of maintaining security and stability and serving citizens.
At the end of the ceremony, the delegation toured the police station, inspected its departments and equipment, and the event concluded with a commemorative group photograph.
Issued by the Directorate General of Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement was issued: As part of the ongoing efforts undertaken by the Internal Security Forces to combat theft and apprehend those responsible, following a burglary at a house in the town of Bqerqasha, Bsharri District, during which a quantity of gold and valuable items worth a total of more than USD 80,000 was stolen, patrols from the North Investigation Unit of the Regional Gendarmerie Unit launched field and intelligence operations to uncover the circumstances of the theft, identify the perpetrator, and arrest him. Following extensive inquiries and investigations, the Unit’s personnel managed to locate the stolen items inside a house in the Mohammara area, where they were seized, along with dozens of other stolen items and a collection of various mobile phones. The Unit also succeeded in identifying the suspect, namely: A. H. (born in 2000, Syrian national) Following careful surveillance, one of the Unit’s patrols managed to lure him from Beirut to the Minieh area, where he was arrested in a carefully planned ambush. The investigation is ongoing under the supervision of the competent judicial authority.
29/10/2026
As part of the cooperation and coordination between the Directorate General of Internal Security Forces and official institutions and associations concerned with social affairs, the “Nidal for Human Rights” Association, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Directorate General of Internal Security Forces, launched the “We Sow Hope” initiative on 27-10-2026 at the Warwar Juvenile Rehabilitation Center. The initiative aims to create green spaces, decorate the center’s courtyards with seedlings and flowers, and provide juveniles with theoretical and practical training in agricultural skills, thereby contributing to the development of their abilities, supporting their rehabilitation, and facilitating their reintegration into society. The event was attended by the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Nizar Hani; the Head of the Public Relations Division, Brigadier General Joseph Muslim, representing the Director General of the Internal Security Forces, Major General Raed Abdullah; the President of the “Nidal for Human Rights” Association, Ms. Rima Saliba; the Commander of the Mount Lebanon Region, Brigadier General Abdo Khalil; and Ms. Shireen Baz, Head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), along with several representatives of relevant associations and institutions. The ceremony opened with the Lebanese national anthem, followed by a welcoming speech delivered by the Commander of the Warwar Juvenile Rehabilitation Center, Colonel Rouad Al-Masri. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between official institutions and associations in supporting juvenile rehabilitation programs, developing their skills, and enhancing their opportunities for reintegration into society. He also highlighted the initiative’s role in fostering a sense of responsibility and cooperation among them. Minister of Agriculture Dr. Nizar Hani then delivered a speech expressing his belief in the capabilities of juveniles and the importance of providing them with opportunities to learn and work. He explained that the Ministry would work to equip them with the necessary agricultural knowledge and skills, covering the entire process from planting and crop care to harvesting, packaging, and marketing, in line with the “farm-to-table” concept, thereby opening up future career opportunities for them. For his part, Brigadier General Joseph Muslim began his speech by conveying the greetings of the Director General of the Internal Security Forces, Major General Raed Abdullah. He stressed that juvenile rehabilitation is a shared responsibility requiring the combined efforts of official institutions and civil society associations. He noted that rehabilitation centers’ role extends beyond enforcing the law to include care, guidance, and capacity-building, in accordance with the principles of community policing and respect for human rights. He also highlighted the importance of the agricultural initiative in promoting discipline and a sense of responsibility, affirming the Internal Security Forces’ support for the continuation and development of this cooperation, given that juvenile rehabilitation is a fundamental pillar in protecting society and enhancing its security and stability. In turn, Ms. Rima Saliba, President of the “Nidal for Human Rights” Association, delivered a speech in which she noted that the initiative goes beyond planting seedlings, offering an opportunity to sow hope and self-confidence among juveniles. She stressed the importance of providing a supportive environment that helps them discover their abilities and build a better future. Ms. Shireen Baz, Head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), also explained that since 2000, the Office has been implementing agricultural activities aimed at rehabilitating juveniles in conflict with the law. These activities began at Roumieh Central Prison and are currently continuing at the Warwar Center. Between 10 and 12 juveniles benefit from the program every six months, receiving training in the basics of agriculture and plant care. She emphasized the importance of cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and partner associations to ensure the sustainability of these activities, develop the juveniles’ skills, and enhance their opportunities for reintegration into society after leaving the center. At the conclusion of the ceremony, attendees toured the areas designated for cultivation within the center and viewed the spaces that will be included in the initiative. Refreshments prepared by the juveniles were also served, and commemorative photographs were taken.
29/10/2026
The Directorate General of Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division Press Release As part of the ongoing efforts undertaken by the Internal Security Forces units to pursue offenders and individuals wanted by the judiciary, several complaints were filed with the Saida Judicial Detachment of the Judicial Police Unit against the following individual: A. B. Kh. (born in 1966, Lebanese), for committing fraud, forgery, using forged documents, and misappropriating other people’s funds. Accordingly, and pursuant to the instructions of the competent judicial authority, members of the Detachment launched extensive investigations and inquiries to determine his whereabouts and arrest him. Following intensive surveillance and the gathering of information, and in coordination with the Special Group of the Judicial Police Unit, members of the Detachment set up a well-planned ambush, which resulted in his arrest in Beirut’s southern suburbs. It was found that an arrest warrant and three wanted notices had been issued against him for the same offences. The necessary legal measures were taken against him, and he was referred to the competent judicial authority, pursuant to its instructions.
29/10/2026
Issued by the Directorate General of Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement was issued: As part of the ongoing efforts undertaken by the Internal Security Forces to curb drug trafficking and promotion across various Lebanese regions and arrest those involved, the Information Branch received information indicating that unidentified individuals were storing quantities of drugs in a room at the entrance to Sabra Camp. Drug dealers were reportedly frequenting the room to collect the drugs and distribute them to customers in various areas of Beirut. Consequently, the Branch’s specialized units launched field and intelligence operations to identify and arrest those involved in the aforementioned activities. As a result of inquiries and investigations, the Branch managed to locate the room at the entrance to the camp and identify the suspects, including the following individuals: A. A. (born in 1996, Syrian) A. J. (born in 2001, Syrian) It was also established that the first suspect had a criminal record involving drug-related offenses and theft. On 28-09-2026, following a precise surveillance operation, an Information Branch patrol raided the aforementioned room in the Sabra Camp area and arrested both suspects inside. A search of the suspects and the room led to the seizure of a large quantity of drugs, containers of ketamine, substances in various shapes and colors prepared for distribution, a precision scale, plastic bags and containers used for packaging drugs, mobile phones, and other equipment. During questioning, both suspects confessed to the charges against them, admitting that they had been distributing drugs to a large number of customers in exchange for money after collecting them from the aforementioned room. Their activities took place in several areas of Beirut, including Cola, Airport Road, and Sports City. The necessary legal measures were taken against them, and they were handed over, along with the seized items, to the competent authority pursuant to the instructions of the judiciary. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other individuals involved.
28/10/2026
