Qahwaji Inspects Troops in Arsal, Warns Confrontation with Terrorists 'is Not over'

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  • W460
  • W460

Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji hailed on Wednesday the role of the military in thwarting terrorism in Lebanon, most notably in the northeastern region of Arsal and the northern city of Tripoli.

He said while inspecting troops deployed in Arsal: “We have achieved several impressive national accomplishments, but that does not mean that our confrontation with terrorism is over.”

“We are prepared to confront the crises and they will not be more challenging than the ones we faced in the past,” he remarked.

“The army's ongoing efforts and sacrifices halted the infiltration of terrorists,” said Qahwaji.

“The military is determined to prevent the spread of terrorism in Lebanon no matter the cost or sacrifices,” he declared.

“The army's keenness on controlling the border and its daily achievements in combating terrorist cells inside of Lebanon are what protected and will continue to protect Lebanon's unity against the threat of strife and chaos,” he stressed.

He therefore called on the troops to always remain prepared to confront different challenges.

Qahwaji later inspected the frontlines of the Lebanese army posts in Wadi Hmeid, al-Masyada and Wadi al-Hosn.

Jihadists from al-Qaida-linked al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State group are entrenched on the outskirts of the town on the porous Syrian-Lebanese border.

In August, they overran Arsal and engaged in deadly fighting with the army.

Around 20 troops were killed while at least 35 soldiers and policemen were taken hostage by the retreating militants. Four of them have been so far executed.

H.K./M.T.

Comments 7
Default-user-icon Pathetic (Guest) 21 January 2015, 12:47

The tragedy is that the southern border is not a concern for the government anymore. Pathetic!

Default-user-icon Ed (Guest) 21 January 2015, 14:12

Dear General,
What about if you have stopped the kidnapping of our troops and police officer! Wouldn't that have been the best support you could have given.... And pls, forget about the presidency...

Thumb freedomarch 21 January 2015, 17:41

But it is still that we need Ansar Al jayesh, or something to help the army, the assats put into militias by people is 10 times what we civilans do to boost the morals and to correct or avoid the leadership to fall into sush problem like the one we are facing in Arsal.

Thumb freedomarch 21 January 2015, 14:34

God bless the lebanese army.

Missing canadianadam 21 January 2015, 18:26

I can't wait for the day when the army is strong enough and has enough transparency to attack the domestic terrorists we have. When the army is in a position to defend Lebanon's sovereignty from terrorists in Hezbollah, then we will have an army that represents a proud country.

Thumb freedomarch 21 January 2015, 18:58

Another Amen from me with a big Helleluia.

Default-user-icon Ed (Guest) 22 January 2015, 07:53

anonymetexasusa
Seriously?! 'MY' general Aoun :) I wish I was in a position to have generals being Mine... But Unfortunately not Mr. Texas...
And what makes you think I follow Aoun anyways?!
This is the problem with Lebanese, I post a comment on a subject, and people just come and point fingers in addition to accusing me of following someone I didn't even mention!
Can't I just be a 'neutral' citizen discussing subjects in an objective way?!