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

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

As part of the cooperation and coordination between the Directorate General of Internal Security Forces and Dar Al-Amal Association, the Association organized a ceremony at Tripoli Women’s Prison on 20-10-2026, during which vocational training certificates were distributed to more than fifty female inmates who had participated in courses under the “Naseej Al-Amal” (Weaving Hope) project. The project aims to empower women, enhance their vocational skills, and provide them with opportunities for employment and production. The event also featured an exhibition of handmade items created by the inmates. The ceremony was attended by Colonel Ziad Shhaita, Commander of the Tripoli Prisons Platoon, representing the Director General of the Internal Security Forces, Major General Raed Abdullah; Mr. Habib Hatem, President of Dar Al-Amal Association; Ms. Hiba Kabbani, representative of UN Women; Ms. Mona Issa, social worker at Dar Al-Amal Association and coordinator of the “Naseej Al-Amal” project; Ms. Odile Saad, Director of the prison; Ms. Joelle Hanna, representing Tripoli Municipality; Ms. Souhair Derbas, representing the President of the Beirut Bar Association; Ms. Soha Zouk Ziadé, representing the Tripoli Women’s Committee; as well as a number of lawyers and representatives of associations. The ceremony included speeches by Colonel Shhaita, Mr. Hatem, Ms. Kabbani, and Ms. Issa, who emphasized the importance of vocational training in rehabilitating female inmates and empowering them economically and socially, strengthening their abilities and self-confidence, providing them with opportunities for work and production, and helping them reintegrate into society after their release. Several participating inmates also shared their experiences and the skills they had acquired during the training courses. One notable example was an inmate who had trained thirty women in the art of crochet, demonstrating the importance of sharing expertise and fostering initiative and cooperation among participants. The program included five training courses in sewing, hand embroidery, and crochet. It concluded with the distribution of certificates to the participants in recognition of their commitment and perseverance. An exhibition of products created under the “Naseej Al-Amal” project was also held, allowing attendees to view the handmade items produced by the inmates, which reflected their skills, creativity, and productive abilities. The event also highlighted the “Naseej Al-Amal” workshop, which enables inmates to apply their newly acquired skills through work and production. The workshop helps transform vocational training into practical opportunities for economic empowerment, paving the way for their reintegration into society following their release. This initiative forms part of ongoing cooperation aimed at supporting rehabilitation and reform programs in prisons and expanding access to learning and vocational training, helping female inmates develop their abilities, strengthen their self-confidence, and prepare for life after release.

28/10/2026