Qahwaji Says Army Can Face Terror, Protect Stability despite Circumstances

W460

Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji reassured Friday that the army has the “full ability” to “confront terrorism” and “protect stability” despite the current circumstances in Lebanon and the region.

“The security situations are under control and the army has the full ability to confront terrorism and protect national stability, despite the circumstances that are surrounding the country,” said Qahwaji during an inspection visit to the Logistic Brigade in Kfarshima.

The army chief also lauded “the precise and professional operation that was carried out by a force from the Intelligence Directorate yesterday and resulted in the arrest of the emir of the Islamic State group in the Ain el-Hilweh camp,” Imad Yassine, an army statement said.

The arrest “spared the country bloody bombings that the detainee and his network had been plotting for several Lebanese regions,” the statement added.

According to media reports, Yassine was coordinating with the IS leadership in Iraq to stage major “Iraq-like bombings” across Lebanon.

An army statement issued Thursday said Yassine had been plotting to stage bomb attacks against “army posts, vital and touristic facilities, shopping centers, popular gatherings and residential areas in several Lebanese regions.”

As Safir newspaper reported Friday that Yassine's bank of targets had included Casino du Liban, downtown Beirut, the Central Bank, the power generation plants in Jiyeh and al-Zahrani, Nabatiyeh's “Monday Market”, UNIFIL forces in the South, KFC outlets in Dbaye, army patrols and posts, in addition to firing rockets at Israel in a bid to ignite the southern front.

Al-Joumhouria newspaper meanwhile reported that Yassine had been plotting to assassinate political figures in Sidon and Beirut, including Speaker Nabih Berri.

Comments 4
Thumb Elemental 23 September 2016, 20:03

Not when Iran is running the show.

Thumb Elemental 23 September 2016, 20:04

I respect the army, but Iran blocks their full capabilities solely to push their takia and outnumber normal Lebanese.

Thumb chrisrushlau 24 September 2016, 15:51

Qahwaji's beret seems to be slipping. I hope his head isn't shrinking.

Thumb Elemental 24 September 2016, 19:43

Nice to see you support the army @Chrismovaten...takia...