During its annual conference held in Bali, Indonesia, in September 2026, with the participation of police and security representatives and delegations from around the world, the International Association of Women Police (IAWP) awarded Brigadier General Elie Al-Asmar, Head of the Social Services Management Unit at the Internal Security Forces (ISF), its prestigious “Advocate Award”, marking a new international achievement that further strengthens the ISF’s presence in global security and policing forums. The award recognizes a quarter-century of work dedicated to supporting and promoting the role of women in the police and security sectors and in society, as well as the efforts made by Brigadier General Al-Asmar, at both the national and international levels, to develop inclusive frameworks that contribute to empowering female personnel and enhancing their presence and leadership participation across various missions and sectors. It also recognizes his contributions to promoting national, educational, and social principles stemming from the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, particularly United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, thereby strengthening women’s role and meaningful participation in the fields of security and peace. Brigadier General Al-Asmar received the award during the official ceremony held on the island of Bali, in the presence of security and police representatives and delegations from around the world. This recognition represents another international milestone for the Internal Security Forces and reflects the institution and its personnel’s growing presence in international forums through their expertise, initiatives, and efforts aimed at developing policing practices, strengthening community partnerships, and supporting the role of women in the security sector.
5/10/2026
As part of the British Policing Support Team (BPST) project to support the Internal Security Forces (ISF), a specialized training course on planning security and public order operations was organized for planning and analysis personnel at the General Directorate’s Operations Room. The course lasted ten days and was conducted under the supervision of British experts and ISF officers specialized in training in the field of security and public order operations management. The graduation ceremony was held on 24 September 2026 at the General Headquarters Barracks in Ashrafieh, in the presence of the Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Dr. Alfred Hanna; the Chairman of the STU Committee, Brigadier General Hanna Yazbeck; the Head of the Service and Operations Division, Colonel Abdallah El Homsi; as well as British experts, officials from the British Policing Support Team (BPST), training officers, and officers from the Operations Room. Brigadier General Hanna, Brigadier General Yazbeck, and one of the British experts delivered speeches highlighting the role played by Operations Rooms in managing security and public order operations, as well as the importance of continuous training for personnel. The speakers also expressed their appreciation to the organizers of the course, the British experts, and the training officers. At the end of the ceremony, commemorative photographs were taken.
5/10/2026
Issued by 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 all types of crime across Lebanese territory, the Bekaa Investigation Detachment of the Regional Gendarmerie Unit received information that S.B. (born in 1974, Lebanese) was practicing the beauty profession without a license inside a salon in the Ksara – Zahle area. Following up on the information, a patrol from the detachment, accompanied by an inspector from the Ministry of Public Health, went to the aforementioned location and arrested her, as well as the salon owner, identified as: N.K. (born in 1988, Lebanese). Upon searching the two women and the salon, the following items were found: A device used to remove warts and skin moles. Two skin-cleaning devices. A laser device and a carbon skin-cleaning device. Eighteen Korean-made Botox containers of various sizes, some of which had been used. Filler injections and other types of injections, in addition to a fat-dissolving device and glass containers containing substances used for injections and cosmetic procedures. The identity of the main suspect, who was found to be using and managing other individuals to carry out unlicensed medical cosmetic procedures, particularly Botox and filler injections, was established. She was identified as Z.M., and a wanted notice for investigation and inquiry was issued against her. The Ministry of Public Health report also confirmed the presence of a quantity of expired injections, another quantity packaged without any information regarding their source, name, or expiry date, as well as another quantity of unlicensed products that had been illegally brought into Lebanon. The aforementioned cosmetic products were seized, and the salon was closed and sealed with red wax. The two detainees and the seized items were handed over to the relevant unit for further investigation and the necessary legal measures, based on the instructions of the competent judicial authorities.
5/10/2026
Issued by the Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement: As part of the ongoing efforts of the Internal Security Forces to curb drug trafficking and distribution operations across various Lebanese regions, the Information Branch received information regarding the activities of drug distribution networks operating in several areas of Mount Lebanon Governorate. On September 21, 22, and 23, 2026, following field surveillance and intensified patrols in areas where drug distribution activities were taking place, Branch patrols carried out ambushes and raids in Blat/Jbeil, Jnah, Ghadeer/Keserwan, Roueissat, and Nabaa. Six members of these networks were arrested in flagrante delicto, and four motorcycles and two cars used in drug distribution operations were seized. The arrested individuals are: J. H. (born in 1971, Lebanese) A. Kh. (born in 1997, Syrian) H. Z. (born in 2008, Syrian) B. S. (born in 2001, Syrian) H. N. (born in 2008, Lebanese) Kh. A. (born in 2007, Syrian) Upon searching the individuals, the motorcycles, and the home of the first detainee, where the drugs were being packaged, a large quantity of narcotics was seized. The drugs were prepared in bags, containers, plastic trays and capsules, as well as cocaine sachets, including baz, hashish, marijuana, salvia, and narcotic pills (Captagon and others). The seizure also included two military pistols with two magazines, a precision scale, a strainer, two syringes, empty bags and papers used for packaging drugs, four mobile phones, and sums of money. During interrogation, they admitted to the charges attributed to them. The necessary legal measures were taken against them, and they were handed over, along with the seized items, to the competent authority, based on the instructions of the competent judicial authorities.
5/10/2026
Issued by the Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement: As part of the ongoing efforts of the Internal Security Forces to pursue and arrest individuals wanted by the judiciary across various Lebanese regions, and as a result of field and intelligence follow-up conducted by the specialized units of the Information Branch, the Branch identified the whereabouts of a wanted individual in the city of Tyre, namely: A. D. (born in 1986, Lebanese), subject to three judicial warrants for murder, attempted murder, and forming a criminal gang. On September 23, 2026, a Branch patrol arrested him in a carefully planned ambush at the aforementioned location. During interrogation, he admitted to the charges attributed to him. In the same context, The Information Branch also identified the whereabouts of an individual wanted for weapons and shooting offenses in the Airport Road area, namely: A. M. (born in 1999, Lebanese), subject to five warrants for weapons and shooting offenses. On September 6, 2026, following careful surveillance and monitoring, a Branch patrol arrested him in a carefully planned ambush while he was riding a black Haojue motorcycle without license plates, which was seized. A mobile phone was also found in his possession and on the motorcycle during the search. Both individuals, along with the seized items, were handed over to the relevant unit to take the necessary legal measures against them, based on the instructions of the competent judicial authorities.
4/10/2026
Issued by the Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement: As part of the ongoing efforts of the Internal Security Forces to combat drug-related crimes and pursue and arrest those involved, on September 24, 2026, personnel at the Dahr El-Baidar checkpoint of the Regional Gendarmerie Unit arrested two individuals who were riding a motorcycle whose chassis number had been erased. They are: R. M. (born in 2008, Lebanese) S. M. (born in 1983, Lebanese) Upon searching them, a large quantity of drugs was found in their possession, distributed as follows: 124 packets containing marijuana, with a total weight of approximately 1.8 kg. 289 packets containing hashish, with a total weight of approximately 2 kg. The necessary legal measures were taken against them, based on the instructions of the competent judicial authorities.
4/10/2026
Issued by the Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement: Based on the instructions of the competent judicial authorities, the Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces is circulating the photographs of two wanted women suspected of stealing from a person in the town of Bar Elias on June 30, 2026. Anyone who recognizes them or has any information about them or their whereabouts is requested to contact the Zahle Judicial Detachment of the Judicial Police Unit at either of the following numbers: 08-807064 or 08-807063, and provide any available information. All those who contribute information about the wanted women will remain anonymous, in accordance with the law.
4/10/2026
Issued by the Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following: A recreational and cultural event will be held tomorrow, October 4, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m., on Makdisi Street – Hamra. A large number of citizens are expected to attend. Food and Lebanese product stalls, children’s games, and other activities will be set up along the said street. Accordingly, traffic will be prohibited in the area throughout the duration of the event. Citizens are kindly requested to take note of these measures and comply with the instructions and guidance of Internal Security Forces personnel, as well as the traffic signs placed at the location, in order to facilitate traffic flow and prevent congestion.
3/10/2026
Issued by the Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following: The Beirut Marathon Association will organize training sessions on October 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2026, and November 1, 2026, for runners wishing to participate for the first time in the annual race, scheduled to take place on November 29, 2026. The training sessions will take place along the coastal road from Karantina to Mazda Company, from 6:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. on the aforementioned dates. The said lane will be closed, and traffic will be diverted to the highway throughout the training sessions. Citizens are kindly requested to take note of these measures and comply with the instructions and guidance of Internal Security Forces personnel, as well as the traffic signs placed at the location, in order to facilitate traffic flow and prevent congestion.
3/10/2026
Issued by the Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement: Further to our previous statement warning against accessing fraudulent websites offering investment and trading services, the Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces hereby provides citizens with images of the fraudulent websites. The Directorate General reminds citizens of the need to: Stop dealing with these websites and immediately close their accounts, following the Information Branch’s investigations which established that these websites are fraudulent. Distinguish between these websites and legitimate platforms, and verify the company’s name and official website before dealing with any investment or trading company. Verify the website address letter by letter, rather than relying solely on its appearance or logo. Download the application of the company they intend to deal with exclusively from the App Store or Google Play, and not through any link sent via WhatsApp or social media platforms. Verify the recipient of their funds before carrying out any money transfer. Not sell, rent out, or even lend financial accounts, in order to prevent their use in fraud and scams, as account holders may be subject to legal prosecution. Investigations are currently ongoing into a number of intermediaries involved in the sale and rental of electronic financial accounts, based on instructions from the competent judicial authorities. Anyone who has fallen victim to these fraudulent websites is urged to contact the Information Branch’s hotline at 1788 to complete the investigation.
3/10/2026
Issued by 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 specialized units of the Internal Security Forces to combat drug trafficking and distribution across various Lebanese regions, the Information Branch received information about a group of individuals affiliated with networks involved in the distribution of narcotic substances in several areas of the Mount Lebanon Governorate. Following this, patrols from the aforementioned Branch were tasked with identifying the whereabouts of members of these networks, monitoring them, and working to arrest them. As a result of field surveillance and intensified patrols in the areas where the dealers were active, the patrols carried out ambushes and raids in Qabr Chamoun, Dekwaneh, Dbayeh, Mkalles, Bourj Hammoud, and Ouzai, arresting nine drug dealers caught red-handed. Three motorcycles without license plates were also seized. The detainees are: A. K. (born in 1990, Lebanese) R. B. (born in 1972, Lebanese) A. R. A. (born in 1998, Syrian) A. Sh. H. (born in 1995, Syrian) A. A. (born in 1996, of undetermined nationality) S. E. (born in 1990, Egyptian) M. R. (born in 2005, Syrian) F. H. (born in 1980, Syrian) Sh. H. (born in 2007, Syrian) Upon searching the detainees, the motorcycles, and the homes of three of them, a large quantity of narcotics was seized. The substances were packaged in bags, boxes, plastic trays, capsules, and envelopes and included cocaine, baz, hashish, marijuana, crystal, crystal meth, salvia, narcotic “Captagon” pills, and other drugs. A military-grade pistol with two magazines and seven rounds of ammunition, a knife, drug-packaging equipment, and sums of money were also seized. During questioning, they admitted to the charges against them. The necessary legal measures were taken against them, and they were referred, along with the seized items, to the competent authority, based on the instructions of the competent judicial authorities.
3/10/2026
Issued by the Directorate General of Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement: As part of the ongoing efforts of the Internal Security Forces to combat human trafficking and the facilitation of prostitution, the Information Branch received information concerning an unidentified individual who was allegedly holding women working in this field and extorting “protection money” from their employers. Following this, the Branch’s specialized units intensified their field and technical efforts to identify and apprehend the suspect. As a result of investigations and inquiries, his identity was established. He is: H. Y. (born in 1996, Lebanese), who has a criminal record involving the facilitation of prostitution and extortion. On 02-09-2026, following careful surveillance and monitoring, an Information Branch patrol arrested him in the Airport Road area while he was in a rented vehicle, which was also seized. The following individual was also arrested in his company: M. S. (born in 1996, Lebanese) A search of the two suspects and the vehicle resulted in the seizure of a knife, two capsules containing cocaine, and a sum of money. During questioning, the first suspect admitted to the charges against him, namely detaining women and the drivers responsible for transporting them, then contacting their employers and demanding money in exchange for their release. He also admitted to shooting at the vehicles when the demanded amounts were not paid. The second detainee stated that his relationship with the first was limited to using drugs. The necessary legal measures were taken against both detainees, who were handed over, along with the seized items, to the competent authority, based on the instructions of the competent judicial authorities. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining individuals involved.
2/10/2026
