Lebanon Marks Army Day as Country Gears Up for Battle Against Jihadists

Lebanon marks on Tuesday the 72nd anniversary of the founding of its army, as the military institution gears up for a challenging battle in the outskirts of the border towns of al-Qaa and Ras Baalbek to eliminate jihadists entrenched in the area.

The ceremony, was held in the Fayadieh Military Academy, and took place in the presence of President Michel Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Saad Hariri.

Aoun laid a wreath at the memorial statue of the Lebanese Army martyrs.

The central Army Day ceremony has also seen the graduation of several cadet officers and their promotion to the rank of lieutenant.

Aoun handled out the swords to the graduating officers, after a three-year halt due to a presidential vacuum.

Aoun will deliver a speech on the occasion which is expected to shed light on the challenges facing the country and the pivotal role of the army.

The Army marks this day as it prepares to launch an offensive against Islamic State militants entrenched in the outskirts of al-Qaa and Ras Baalbek.