3/6/2026
Issued by the General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division
The following statement was issued:
On 03-06-2026, a ceremony was held at Major General Martyr Wissam Al Hassan Barracks in Dbayeh for the handover of a donation provided by the Delegation of the European Union, in coordination with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to the benefit of the General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces and the General Directorate of Civil Defense. The donation included maritime equipment and gear and was held under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Interior and Municipalities, Brigadier General Ahmad Al Hajjar, represented by the Director General of the Internal Security Forces, Major General Raed Abdallah.
The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of the European Union, Ms. Sandra De Waele; the UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Blerta Aliko; the representative of the Director General of Civil Defense, Mr. Ziad Chahine; Brigadier General Dr. Alfred Hanna, Head of the Staff Authority Unit; Brigadier General Jean Aouad, Commander of the Regional Gendarmerie Unit; Brigadier General Imad El Jammal, Commander of the Beirut Police Unit; Brigadier General Tony Matta, Commander of the Mobile Forces Unit; and a number of senior officers.
The ceremony commenced with the Lebanese National Anthem and the European Union Anthem, followed by a welcoming speech delivered by Brigadier General Matta, who welcomed the attendees and praised the importance of the donation as a genuine commitment to strengthening the maritime capabilities of the Internal Security Forces.
On this occasion, Major General Raed Abdallah, representing Minister of Interior and Municipalities Brigadier General Ahmad Al Hajjar, delivered a speech in which he thanked the European Union and the UNDP for the donation, emphasizing that it reflects the continuation of cooperation and support for Lebanese security institutions. He explained that the donation includes high-speed boats, jet skis, diving equipment, and specialized gear intended for several operational units of the Internal Security Forces, thereby enhancing their capabilities and operational effectiveness. He also commended the support provided to Civil Defense, given its role in strengthening rescue and emergency response capabilities.
He pointed out that this donation contributes to enhancing operational readiness and efficiency, particularly within Lebanese territorial waters, thereby strengthening the ability to address security challenges and combat various forms of crime and violations. He further stressed that developing the operational capacities of the Internal Security Forces has a direct impact on the quality of security services provided to citizens and contributes to reinforcing public trust, despite all accompanying challenges and circumstances. It also raises the level of coordination and integration among the various concerned agencies, foremost among them the Lebanese Army and Civil Defense, in order to achieve the best possible results in confronting risks and common challenges.
In her speech, Ambassador Sandra De Waele emphasized that the delivery of this equipment to the Internal Security Forces and Civil Defense aims to strengthen the capacity of Lebanese institutions to protect citizens, respond to emergencies, and save lives. She noted that the European Union, in cooperation with the UNDP, supports Lebanon by enhancing the capabilities of security institutions and first-response agencies.
She explained that the donation includes diving equipment, boats, communication devices, and maritime response equipment for several units of the Internal Security Forces and Civil Defense, representing an investment exceeding USD 1.2 million. She further stressed that the effectiveness of search and rescue operations depends not only on equipment but also on cooperation, coordination, and information-sharing among the relevant institutions. She concluded by reaffirming the European Union’s continued support for Lebanon and its security institutions and expressed her appreciation to the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities, the Internal Security Forces, Civil Defense, and the UNDP for their cooperation and partnership.
For her part, UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Blerta Aliko emphasized that current developments in Lebanon highlight the importance of preparedness and the role of national institutions and first responders in addressing crises, stressing the need to equip them with the necessary skills and resources. She indicated that the equipment provided through European Union support would strengthen maritime search and rescue capacities within the Internal Security Forces and Civil Defense, thereby helping save lives and ensure rapid response to incidents.
She also noted that this initiative falls within the framework of UNDP efforts aimed at supporting stability, recovery, and the resilience of national institutions. She explained that the programme has implemented several initiatives in this context, including the establishment of a Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and the rehabilitation of eleven facilities belonging to the Internal Security Forces. She concluded by affirming that these investments enhance the efficiency of public institutions and strengthen citizens’ confidence in them, while thanking the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities, the Internal Security Forces, Civil Defense, and the European Union for their partnership and continued support.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dr. Zahi Chahine of UNDP delivered a PowerPoint presentation providing a detailed explanation of the maritime equipment donated, the mechanisms for its use, and its role in supporting the operational and rescue missions carried out by the Internal Security Forces and Civil Defense. He also highlighted the importance of this equipment in strengthening field readiness and enhancing rapid-response and intervention capabilities in search-and-rescue operations and various maritime missions.
Following the presentation, attendees toured the donated equipment and boats displayed outdoors, and several of these assets were demonstrated at sea.
The Directorate General of the 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 crime throughout Lebanese territory, on 16-9-2026, an investigation report from the Raoucheh Police Station was referred to the Beirut Judicial Detachment of the Judicial Police Unit. The report concerned a complaint filed by a citizen against an unknown person for stealing furniture, carpets, batteries belonging to a solar energy system, and a wristwatch from his residence in the Raoucheh area. The value of the stolen items was estimated at USD 400,000. The aforementioned Detachment immediately launched the necessary investigations and inquiries. It managed to identify the shop in the capital where several of the carpets had been sold. The shop is owned by: M. K. (born in 1970, Lebanese national). The Detachment subsequently identified the seller of the carpets as M. Gh. (born in 1990, Lebanese national), who worked as a security guard outside the building where the complainant resides. During questioning, the latter stated that he had sold the carpets at the request of: M. H. (born in 1995, Lebanese national), who had previously worked as a driver for the complainant before leaving his job and going into hiding. Following surveillance and monitoring, the aforementioned Detachment arrested M. H. on 18-10-2026 in the Barbir area, where he was hiding inside a house. A magnetic access card for the entrance door of the building where the complainant resides was seized in his possession. During questioning, the suspect confessed to stealing from several residences belonging to the complainant and stated that he had sold the stolen items to several shops in Beirut for USD 15,000. Several individuals who had traded the stolen items among themselves were questioned. The majority of the stolen property, including carpets, lithium batteries, antiques, and an electric generator, was recovered. The seized stolen items were returned to the complainant. The three individuals mentioned above were arrested and referred to the competent judicial authorities pursuant to their instructions.
17/10/2026
The Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement was issued: First: Maameltein (Half Marathon) On 18-10-2026, between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., the Lebanese Athletics Federation will organize the “2026 Lebanese Half Marathon Championship.” The race will start at the Fouad Chehab Sports Complex in Jounieh, proceed toward Maameltein – Oscar Palace intersection, then head back toward Dbayeh along the coastal road, before the Martyr Brigadier General Wissam al-Hassan Barracks. Participants will then follow the same route back to the starting point. Accordingly, traffic heading toward Beirut will be diverted from the coastal Ghazir intersection toward the highway. Traffic heading toward Maameltein will be diverted from the KFC roundabout toward the eastern carriageway of the highway. The road inside Jounieh Souk, up to ATCL, will be completely closed until the event is over. Second: Omar Daouk Street (Filming) On 18-10-2026, between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., TEST TEST Production Company will conduct filming on Omar Daouk Street, opposite Beirut Towers. Accordingly, traffic on the aforementioned street will be cut off and diverted toward STARCO until filming is completed. Third: Ain el-Mreisseh (Sporting Event) Starting at 6:00 a.m. on 18-10-2026, under the supervision of the Lebanese Triathlon Federation, RISE AND RISE TEAM Club Association will organize a SPRINT TRIATHLON along the coastal road extending from the Corniche adjacent to the American University of Beirut toward Ain el-Mreisseh, reaching McDonald’s restaurant, and returning to the starting point. Accordingly, the road between the Officers’ Club traffic light and Abdel Nasser Mosque in Ain el-Mreisseh will be closed in both directions until the event is over. Fourth: Charles Helou Avenue (Car Race) On 18-10-2026, from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., the “Fifth Speed Race” will take place along the route extending from George Haddad Street to the Emigrant Statue on Charles Helou Avenue – the coastal road, in both directions. Traffic will be diverted until the event is over, as follows: Traffic will be cut off at the Emigrant Statue and diverted toward the Kataeb Party headquarters. Traffic will be cut off at George Haddad Street, and vehicles will be prohibited from entering the tunnel and diverted toward the Kataeb Party headquarters. Traffic coming from Customs Street and the port entrances will be cut off. Citizens are kindly requested to take note of these measures and comply with the instructions of Internal Security Forces personnel and the posted traffic signs in order to facilitate traffic flow and prevent congestion.
17/10/2026
The Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement was issued: On 18-10-2026, starting at 8:00 a.m., a sporting and environmental event entitled “A Seedling of Hope in Our Streets” will be held at the invitation of the Choueifat Cycling Club. Accordingly, the following intersections will be closed until the participating cyclists have passed through: Deir Qoubel intersection – Spinneys Mall roundabout – Khaldeh Triangle – Khaldeh coastal road – Rishani Station intersection – Tiro intersection – Harajli intersection – Zain El Abidine intersection – Kfarchima intersection – Khatib and Shabaan intersection. Citizens are kindly requested to take note of these measures and comply with the instructions of Internal Security Forces personnel and the traffic signs in place, in order to facilitate traffic flow.
17/10/2026
The Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement was issued: As a result of intensive inquiries and investigations conducted by the personnel of the Baabda Judicial Detachment of the Judicial Police Unit, and following surveillance and monitoring, they arrested the individual identified as: M. Z. (born in 1993, Lebanese national), on charges of fraud and swindling. The detainee claimed to work as an “official government transactions agent” at the Baabda and Beirut Palaces of Justice, under the name “Mr. Mohammad Baalbaki.” He allegedly deceived individuals by claiming that he could pay traffic fines, lift vehicle impoundments, submit requests for the release of detainees, pay bail on their behalf, and handle various other judicial transactions. After receiving money from his victims through transfers sent to him in several instalments via money transfer companies, he would stop answering their calls and disappear. Accordingly, the Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces is circulating the detainee’s photograph, pursuant to the instructions of the competent judicial authority. Anyone who has fallen victim to his activities and recognizes him is requested to visit the Baabda Judicial Detachment at the Baabda Serail or call either of the following numbers: 05-921115 / 05-922173, in preparation for taking the necessary legal measures.
16/10/2026
