Lebanese Army chief: No turning back; army stays firm in the South
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On Lebanon’s 81st Independence Day, Army Commander General Joseph Aoun assures that the army aims to be a trusted refuge for the people.
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A Lebanese soldier manning a machine gun, Tyre, Lebanon, Saturday, September 16, 2006 (AP)
On Lebanon’s 81st Independence Day, Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun affirmed that the Lebanese army remains deployed in the South, where soldiers continue to make sacrifices and, in some cases, have become martyrs for the nation.
He reassured that the army would not abandon the region, as it is vital to Lebanon's sovereignty, operating alongside the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) under Resolution 1701.
Aoun assured the Lebanese public, saying, “There is no turning back, and no fear for the army, which will stay united and steadfast despite all challenges."
He emphasized the army's commitment to protecting Lebanon's security, stability, and sovereignty, and its role as a unifying force for all Lebanese communities.
قائد الجيش العماد جوزاف عون في #أمر_اليوم لمناسبة العيد ٨١ للاستقلال:
— الجيش اللبناني (@LebarmyOfficial) November 21, 2024
أيّها العسكريون
واحد وثمانون عامًا، هو العمر الحديث للبنان الذي تعود جذوره إلى آلاف السنين. نال وطن الأرز استقلاله بفضل أبنائه الذين اتّحدوا حينها على اختلاف انتماءاتهم، تحت راية علمهم للدفاع عن وطنهم وحمايته.… pic.twitter.com/zduvzaAsZS
The army, as per the General, aims to be a trusted refuge for the people, with the hope that Lebanon's institutions will regain strength and stability, restoring confidence among both residents and expatriates.
This, he added, is essential for Lebanon to meet the aspirations and hopes of its youth.
He emphasized that the army will continue fulfilling its national duty, carrying out its missions amid ongoing difficulties and dangers.
Army commander reaffirms commitment to Lebanon’s security and unity
The top military figure highlighted that since the forcible displacement of residents from the South, the Lebanese military has coordinated with state agencies to support the evacuees, particularly the families of soldiers. He also acknowledged the swift assistance from both friendly nations and many compassionate Lebanese citizens.
The Army Commander stressed that the military remains steadfast in executing its duties across Lebanon, actively countering any efforts to undermine security and stability.
He reiterated that national unity and civil peace are the army’s top priorities and unwavering red lines, which no one will be allowed to cross. He stressed that safeguarding Lebanon is a shared responsibility for all citizens.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun further assured that the baseless accusations and incitement campaigns against the army would only reinforce its resolve, cohesion, and determination.
With strong local and international backing, the military will remain true to its principles and obligations toward Lebanon and its people, unaffected by narrow interests, as per Aoun.
In honoring Lebanon's independence, he paid tribute to the military's martyrs, including those who recently gave their lives in the South for the country, stating, "Their blood will nourish the land, blooming with glory and strength, and breathe new life into Lebanon."
Several killed, including soldier, in Israeli aggression on South Lebanon
The Lebanese Army announced Wednesday that one soldier has succumbed to injuries sustained during an Israeli attack on a military vehicle on the Borj al-Molouk - al-Qlayleh road in southern Lebanon.
In a statement posted on X, the army confirmed the soldier’s martyrdom, following an earlier report that two personnel had been wounded in the attack.
This comes a day after the military reported that three soldiers were killed in a separate Israeli strike targeting an army position in the town of Sarafand in the Saida district.
Al Mayadeen’s correspondent previously reported injuries among Lebanese Army personnel after their vehicle was targeted by an Israeli drone in the town of Borj al-Molouk in the Marjayoun district.
Read next: 'Israel' renews strikes on Beirut Suburb, targets Tyre's El-Buss camp
![In a 2021 interview with Frontline by former US special representative James Jeffrey, he says he had "engaged with [HTS] via backchannels while serving in President Trump’s State Department. (Al Mayadeen English; Illustrated by Batoul Chamas)](https://alpha-en-media.almayadeen.net/media/image/2024/12/21/b4a69f2e-8682-43e4-9d37-49482b304ab3/3.png?v=2&format=webp "In a 2021 interview with Frontline by former US special representative James Jeffrey, he says he had \"engaged with [HTS] via backchannels while serving in President Trump’s State Department. (Al Mayadeen English; Illustrated by Batoul Chamas)")
