Lebanese president says army to stay course despite smear campaigns

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
Today 12:48

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun praises the Lebanese Army's efforts in combating drug trafficking and reaffirming state authority.

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Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun speaks at the presidential palace in Baabda, January 17, 2025 (AFP)

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed on Wednesday that the Lebanese Army remains resolute in its mission to protect the nation, undeterred by ongoing smear campaigns, incitement, or attempts to sow doubt, whether from internal or external sides.

His comments came during a phone call with Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal, in which he extended condolences for the martyred soldiers the previous night while pursuing drug traffickers in the Sharaouna neighborhood of Baalbek.

He also expressed wishes for a swift recovery to those wounded in the operation.

“The army once again pays with the blood of its men to protect Lebanese society from the scourge of drugs and uphold the rule of law,” Aoun stated, adding that the fallen soldiers “joined a long line of comrades who have sacrificed the most precious for the sake of their oath.”

The president emphasized that the army, in close coordination with other security agencies, continues to pursue criminals, combat all forms of illegal activity, secure national borders, and work to extend the authority of the state across Lebanese territory.

Lebanon to file UNSC complaint over Israeli wall breaching Blue Line

As part of preserving Lebanon's sovereignty, Aoun called last week for an urgent complaint to be filed with the United Nations Security Council against "Israel" for constructing a concrete wall along the border that encroaches upon the UN-demarcated Blue Line established after the occupation's withdrawal in 2000.

Aoun instructed Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji to task Lebanon’s permanent mission to the UN to file the complaint.

He also requested that the complaint be backed by UN reports that refute "Israel’s" denial of the wall’s construction, confirming that it prevents southern residents from accessing over 4,000 square meters of Lebanese land.

International reports indicated that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) had informed "Israel" of the need to remove the wall, condemning the construction carried out within Lebanese territory.

The reports emphasized that "Israel’s" continued presence in Lebanese territory and the construction activities there constitute a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and infringe upon Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

UNIFIL further noted that in October, it conducted a geographical survey of a T-shaped concrete wall built by the Israeli army southwest of the southern Lebanese town of Yaroun and observed additional construction activities this month.