Heggy: Our missions continue at the borders and inside the country to combat terrorism, arms and drug trafficking, and smuggling

Lebanese Army Commander Major General Rodolphe Heikal affirmed that the army’s missions continue across various phases along the border and within the interior to combat terrorism, arms and drug trafficking, and smuggling. This statement came during his attendance yesterday at the Army’s second race, featuring 10-kilometer and 5-kilometer distances, with approximately 3,500 runners. He said, “Our relationship with civilians is old and deeply rooted; it has never been weak at any time. We draw our strength from them. The Army is present near every home in different regions and at the borders.” He called on citizens to assist the army and remain vigilant, noting that they are the source of the army’s security, and urged them to report any suspicious activity to security agencies. “We are at a high level of security awareness to ensure Lebanon reaches safe shores.”

According to a statement from the Directorate of Guidance, participants in the race included army personnel, security agency members, UNIFIL soldiers, runners from various clubs and sports associations under the Lebanese Athletics Federation, and university and school students, all supervised by the Higher Center for Military Sports.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, in a statement, thanked President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their leadership and efforts in bringing closer the realization of a long-awaited Lebanese dream: establishing direct flights between Lebanon and the United States. The embassy considered that “this important step strengthens trust between our two countries and reflects confidence in Lebanon’s future. Direct flights will bring families closer, strengthen ties with the Lebanese-American community, and facilitate U.S. companies’ exploration of opportunities and investment in Lebanon.” It added, “We look forward to working with our Lebanese partners to turn this opportunity into a reality that benefits the peoples of our two countries and contributes to a more prosperous Lebanon.”

In the south, the situation remained unchanged. The Israeli warplane struck Kafr Kila and Al-Manzouri, which, like Majdal Zoun, were subjected to artillery shelling. The National News Agency reported that an explosion caused by debris from the Israeli aggression occurred in the town of Froun, in the Bint Jbeil district, resulting in injuries.

Deputy Melhem Khalaf raised the alarm in a statement, saying, “In Ramish, Dubb, and Ain Ebel, more than 10,000 citizens live under the fear for their fate and land, amid the expansion of the occupation around their villages and the tightening of the noose around them.” He added, “Fears increase if these villages lose contact with the Lebanese interior, or if UNIFIL withdraws without guarantees for protecting residents and maintaining their connection to their homeland. In that case, these villages could become besieged and isolated, and the steadfastness of their people in defending their land and Lebanese identity would become a burden beyond their capacity to endure. Beware of leaving our steadfast people in the southern villages alone.”

For his part, former Minister Youssef Salameh stated in a declaration that “the failure to sign the May 17 Agreement led to the fall of the Wazzan government, the end of Kamal Al-Asaad’s presidency of the Parliament, and the decline of ‘political Maronism.’ He added, ‘The alternatives were Syrian suzerainty and a new constitution. The failure to sign a peace agreement today will disrupt the path of governance and lay the groundwork for a crisis of rule. The solution is peace and a constitution that restores Lebanon’s identity and mission to life. Where are the living forces?’”

For his part, in his Sunday homily, Metropolitan of Beirut and its Dependencies of the Greek Orthodox Church, Bishop Elias Auda, addressed “those who usurp the state’s role, fail to enforce its laws, or contribute to its decay, yet ask where the state is, and impose the burden of their sins on everyone. He stressed the need first to submit to the state and regard it as the sole reference and the sole protector that holds decision-making power, authority, weapons, and all the competencies that make it a strong state.” Meanwhile, in the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV, during his audience with members of the Synod of the Antiochian Greek Catholic Church, affirmed that he “is working to provide scholarships for believers in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq to receive a Catholic education.” His initiative was warmly welcomed by Maronite General Council Dean and former minister Wadih Khazen.