7/7/2026
The Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division issued the following communiqué:
As competition intensifies in the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, with the tournament reaching the knockout stages, and amid the accompanying celebrations and cheering, the Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces reminds citizens of the need to express victory or defeat in a sportsmanlike spirit and in a civilized and responsible manner, away from any aggressive or dangerous behavior.
It also calls on citizens to completely refrain from firing shots into the air, or using fireworks that may cause casualties and spark fires in homes and wooded areas, or engaging in any behavior that could endanger public safety, particularly sitting on car windows or standing through sunroofs while vehicles are moving.
The Directorate notes that, during the events of the 2022 World Cup, such practices resulted in 42 incidents, including 25 cases of celebratory gunfire, in addition to other incidents involving gunfire in protest or anger, marches and gatherings accompanied by gunfire, as well as disputes and the brandishing of weapons.
During the 2026 World Cup competitions to date, 8 cheering-related incidents have also been recorded, including disputes, gunfire in protest, and the throwing of fireworks that resulted in injuries.
These practices have nothing to do with cheering. They may lead to deaths or injuries, endanger public safety, spread fear and panic among citizens, and cause disputes, assaults, and damage to public and private property.
The Directorate affirms that celebratory gunfire, the use of fireworks, and all other acts that threaten security and public order are unlawful practices. Their perpetrators will be prosecuted in accordance with the law, without any leniency. The competent units are also conducting the necessary investigations with violators in preparation for taking legal measures against them.
Therefore, the Directorate calls on all drivers, fans, and citizens to abide by the laws and comply with the instructions of Internal Security Forces personnel, in order to preserve their safety and the safety of others, and to avoid turning moments of joy into tragedies with grave consequences.
Your joy is a responsibility… and one bullet can end a life.
#Celebrate_in_a_Sportsmanlike_Spirit
Issued by the General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement: As part of the Internal Security Forces' ongoing efforts to combat all forms of crime and apprehend offenders throughout Lebanon, the Mount Lebanon Intelligence Unit of the Regional Gendarmerie obtained information regarding an individual involved in the theft and armed robbery of motorcycles in the Al-Rihab area. Following investigations and intelligence-gathering efforts, a patrol from the unit arrested the suspect in the same area. He was identified as: A. G. (born in 2009, Syrian national). During questioning, he confessed to committing more than ten motorcycle robberies in various areas of Beirut and Mount Lebanon. He was referred to the competent authority for the necessary legal proceedings in accordance with the instructions of the competent judicial authority.
16/7/2026
As part of the ongoing cooperation between the General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces, the European Union, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the European Union Ambassador to Lebanon, Ms. Sandra De Waele, and the UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon, Ms. Blerta Aliko, visited the Antelias Police Station on July 15, 2026, in the presence of the Commander of the Regional Gendarmerie Unit, Brigadier Jean Aouad. During the visit, they reviewed the rehabilitation works carried out at the station, one of three police stations being upgraded under a project funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP to strengthen the infrastructure and operational capabilities of the Internal Security Forces. On this occasion, several vehicles and a water tanker were also handed over to the General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces to support its missions, particularly in southern Lebanon. This support is part of a project valued at more than US$3 million, which also aims to strengthen cooperation between the Internal Security Forces, municipalities, and local communities by supporting community policing initiatives. The project seeks to improve the security response, reinforce state institutions, and enhance security, stability, and Lebanon's sustainable recovery process.
15/7/2026
Issued by the General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement: As part of the Internal Security Forces' daily efforts to combat drug trafficking and apprehend wanted persons throughout Lebanon, the Mount Lebanon Intelligence Unit of the Regional Gendarmerie received information regarding an individual who was distributing narcotics while riding a GR motorcycle in the Sahraa Choueifat area. The unit immediately launched surveillance and monitoring operations and carried out a carefully planned ambush in the area, resulting in the arrest of the suspect, identified as: A. A. (born in 2001, Lebanese, according to his statements). A search led to the seizure of: 28 small packets containing narcotic substances bearing the "Coffee" logo. 31 small packets containing the substance known as "baz", bearing the "Bear" logo. One small packet containing a narcotic substance bearing the "Crown" logo. Two imitation handguns with their magazines, unloaded. An amount of cash in Lebanese pounds and U.S. dollars. A mobile phone. A GR motorcycle with no registration plate. The suspect, along with the seized items and the motorcycle, was referred to the competent unit for the necessary legal proceedings in accordance with the instructions of the competent judicial authority.
15/7/2026
Issued by the General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement: The General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces warns the public about fraudulent SMS messages currently circulating that impersonate a money transfer company. The messages, written in English, falsely claim that the recipient has an outstanding traffic violation (such as speeding or illegal parking) and request payment through a link bearing the company's name. The General Directorate emphasizes that both the messages and the accompanying link are fraudulent and are intended to steal citizens' personal and banking information. Accordingly, the Directorate urges the public to: Do not click on the links contained in these messages. Do not enter any personal, financial, or bank card information. Do not forward or share these messages. Verify any request for payment or services directly with the relevant organization through its official communication channels only. The General Directorate also urges citizens to report any attempted online fraud or suspicious messages through the "Balligh" platform available on the Internal Security Forces' official website or to the competent judicial authorities, in order to assist in identifying those responsible and protecting the public from these fraudulent schemes.
15/7/2026
