Latest news with #LebaneseGeneralSecurity
Arab News
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Lebanese women learn to shoot for self-defense, apply for gun licenses
BEIRUT: The number of civilian women applying to the Ministry of Defense for licenses to possess firearms in Lebanon is on the rise. Gun ownership in Lebanon is a phenomenon that dates back to before the civil war in the 1970s, and its complexities continue to have an impact due to the misuse of weapons and the consequences that follow. While this phenomenon has been associated with masculinity, the participation of women in bearing arms alongside men in the military and security forces over the past two decades has broken this exclusivity. It seems to have opened the door widely for civilian women to dare to acquire firearms and even train in their use for security-related reasons. Cynthia Yaacoub, 33, a Lebanese firearms instructor, said: 'In Lebanon, we have a gun culture — and I do not mean a culture of weapon collectors — but we lack training on how and when to use firearms properly and safely, and what the consequences are of using them incorrectly, both technically and legally.' In an interview with Arab News at the shooting range of the Lebanese General Security in Beirut, Yaacoub said: 'Lebanese people from my generation — those in their 30s and 40s — are learning to shoot from YouTube, and even children have learned about guns through the game PUBG and have developed a fondness for firearms. As for those in their 50s, they are divided into two groups: one that has already experienced gun possession and used weapons during the civil war, and another that rejected firearms and still fears them and fears for their children. 'There are many reasons why Lebanese women acquire firearms,' she continued. 'According to the women who request shooting training, the number one reason is self-defense. Some of them have husbands who work abroad and need to protect themselves. Others view shooting as a hobby, just like practicing any other sport. There are also women in their 50s and 60s who feel they have fulfilled their roles as mothers and now want to explore adventure and do things they did not do in their youth — so they turn to more extreme sports like horseback riding, shooting, and skydiving.' Hanan Demian decided to learn shooting 'after seeing instructor Cynthia doing it on social media. I believe this hobby enhances focus and self-confidence, and I love adventure.' Based on over six years of training experience, Yaacoub says: 'Lebanese women possess a high level of focus and calmness, which enables them to master shooting more quickly. When they leave the club, they experience a significant sense of empowerment, even if they are not carrying a weapon. They gain greater self-confidence and a sense of authority, which I also experience. Since I learned to shoot and became an instructor, no one has dared to disrespect me, despite my non-violent nature and the fact that I do not carry a gun.' Yaacoub added: 'Some husbands bring their wives with them to practice shooting. I have an entire family who trains in shooting. The clubs do not accept trainees under the age of 18.' But is shooting not a means to master the act of killing, rather than to appreciate the value of life, particularly in Lebanon where firearms are often used for trivial reasons and many fall victim? 'Certainly, it serves as a method for all those who train in shooting to understand human value,' Yaacoub said. 'They ask me, 'how can one kill another?' We train to shoot at a piece of paper and feel its terror, so how can one shoot at humans and animals? Part of shooting training is to educate the person to think carefully before shooting, except in the most extreme cases, where the choice is between life and death. During the training sessions I conduct in Beirut and Doha at the request of a shooting club there, we have a lawyer and a psychologist present to explain the consequences of gunfire.' Previously, Yaacoub organized training sessions for Mother's Day and International Women's Day under the theme 'Empowering Women.' Additionally, for Valentine's Day, couples participated, and during Christmas, she issued vouchers that sold exceptionally well, 'as people found them to be an unconventional gift compared to traditional options like perfume and gold.' At a sports club in Beirut, Yaacoub organized training sessions for children on shooting with pellets 'to teach children discipline and refined shooting skills, so they do not grow up to harm one another.' Yaacoub also promotes training courses in Poland on social media. 'I trained at an academy in Poland, which was a distinct experience. The shooting takes place outdoors, and one can earn a certification that opens up job prospects in security agencies or enhances one's career, potentially leading to becoming a trainer. Thus far, women who learn shooting tend to view it merely as a hobby akin to kickboxing. I have yet to meet a girl who has transitioned to professionalism or expresses a desire to do so. In this regard, I miss having a female partner to train with, someone whose advice I can hear as she hears mine.'
LBCI
16-04-2025
- LBCI
Lebanese army detains suspects behind March rocket fire toward Israel
The Lebanese army has arrested several suspects involved in two rocket attacks launched toward Israel in March, according to a statement issued Wednesday. The arrests followed an investigation by the army's Directorate of Intelligence and Military Police in coordination with the Internal Security Forces and the Lebanese General Security. Authorities said the two attacks took place on March 22 and March 28 from separate locations in southern Lebanon's Nabatieh region. Investigators identified the group responsible as consisting of both Lebanese and Palestinian individuals. Security forces carried out raids in several areas, detaining members of the group and seizing the vehicles and equipment used in the attacks. The suspects are currently being interrogated under the supervision of the judiciary, and efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining individuals involved.
Iraqi News
12-04-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Lebanese Labor Minister: The relationship between Beirut and Baghdad is strong, and we are working to facilitate the work of Iraqi investors
Baghdad-INA Lebanese Labor Minister Mohammed Haidar affirmed on Saturday, that the relationship between Beirut and Baghdad is solid, noting the Lebanese government's efforts to facilitate the work of Iraqi investors. The Lebanese Labor Minister told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The relationship between the new Lebanese government and the Iraqi government is solid and strong, and the fraternal bond between the Lebanese and Iraqis goes back a long history. This bond was evident during the Zionist war on Lebanon and the Iraqis' embrace of Lebanese who were forced to flee to Baghdad." He added that "Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's opinion on developing the relationship with Baghdad reflects the government's direction and the demands of the Lebanese people." Haidar addressed "the visit of the Director-General of the Lebanese General Security, Major General Hassan Choucair, to Iraq this week, which aims to strengthen security cooperation and discuss the exchange of services and the import of oil from Iraq." He pointed to "positive results that will be built upon in the coming period, particularly with regard to Iraq's contribution to improving the operation of Lebanese power plants and supplying them with fuel." Haider noted that "President General Joseph Aoun announced an Arab tour, one of whose priorities is a visit to Iraq and, consequently, representing Lebanon at the Arab Summit in Baghdad with the participation of an official Lebanese delegation to meet with Iraqi officials there." He indicated that "Iraq's support for Lebanon in establishing security is fundamental, as is helping to expel the Zionist enemy from Lebanese territory. He also called on our Arab brothers, specifically the Iraqis, to return to investing in Beirut so that Lebanon can regain its leading role in the region." The Minister emphasized the continuation of the memoranda of understanding signed by the previous government with the Iraqi Ministry of Labor, and the modification of any amendments that can be made, in coordination with his Iraqi counterpart, Ahmed Al-Asadi, whom he will meet in Egypt next week. He will discuss with him the issue of improving opportunities for Lebanese workers in Iraq and Iraqi workers in Lebanon, and opening new job opportunities. He pointed out that "foreign workers in Lebanon only benefit from a portion of the health benefits, but based on the principle of reciprocity, if the Ministry finds that Lebanese workers in Iraq receive comprehensive insurance, Iraqi workers in Lebanon will be granted comprehensive insurance. This matter is under investigation and will be resolved soon." He stated that "the labor market and the need for foreign workers, including Iraqis, were studied to determine the actual need, and to inform Iraqi workers of the sectors with vacancies so they can utilize their expertise. This is in addition to the government's efforts to attract Iraqi investors, provide them with full facilities, and initiate investment projects in Lebanon, especially as the period of security instability will end." He pointed out that "the residency requirements for Iraqis in Lebanon are clearly available on the Lebanese Ministry of Labor's website for anyone wishing to come to Beirut." He continued: "Projects between Lebanon and Iraq have been delayed due to internal, regional, and international events, but the government will resume work on them. The primary reason for not activating the oil pipeline linking Iraq to Tripoli in northern Lebanon is the need for it to pass through Syria, which has delayed its implementation." He noted that "there is a trend toward amending the law, hoping to actually achieve this in order to restore projects that serve Lebanon, Iraq, and the region." He explained that "the Zionist enemy has not adhered to international laws, and we, as a government, insist on adhering to them and continue to give diplomacy a chance, but patience has limits."
LBCI
31-03-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanon probes rocket fire as Israeli airstrikes intensify: what LBCI sources have confirmed so far
Report by Edmond Sassine, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian Lebanese security agencies have yet to identify those responsible for launching two rounds of rockets from southern Lebanon, which Israel cited as justification for airstrikes in the south, Bekaa, and a raid in Beirut's southern suburbs. Sources confirmed to LBCI that the Lebanese General Security arrested three suspects—two Lebanese nationals and one Syrian—due to their presence in the area where the rockets were launched. The Syrian suspect, in particular, was found in the vicinity at 3 a.m. despite living far from the location. The investigation, conducted under judicial supervision, has not yet confirmed any suspicions or established guilt. Authorities are awaiting results from forensic tests, including fingerprint and DNA analysis on the makeshift launch platforms used in the attacks. In a statement, the Lebanese General Security announced the arrests and said investigations are underway to determine responsibility and take legal action as necessary. Meanwhile, LBCI has learned that the Lebanese army has also detained six individuals of Syrian and Palestinian nationality as part of security measures following the rocket launches. Their arrests were based on their presence near the launch site, but no charges have been confirmed pending further forensic examination. Army Commander General Rodolph Haykal, during a visit to the southern Litani sector, said the army had taken multiple suspects into custody for questioning, emphasizing that such rocket attacks ultimately serve the Israeli side.
LBCI
27-03-2025
- LBCI
Man caught on camera assaulting 7-year-old girl, disturbing details emerge
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian While the details of this article are difficult to describe, it is crucial to present the facts, as this is a matter of public concern. A security officer in his late forties, wearing a Lebanese General Security uniform, has been arrested after harassing a 7-year-old girl in front of three other children behind a butcher shop in Haret Hreik. The girl, accompanied by her cousins, was assaulted in a disturbing manner. The officer, unaware that surveillance cameras captured the incident, was exposed when the footage was reviewed. The officer, assigned to the Public Corporation for Housing, committed the assault after his service hours, showing a lack of respect for both his position and humanity. Lebanese General Security arrested him, and at the direction of Judge Fadi Malkoun, the Public Prosecutor of the Mount Lebanon Court of Appeal, he was referred to the Morals Protection Bureau for further investigation. The bureau plans to interview the children involved with a juvenile representative present. Preliminary information suggests there was no prior connection between the officer and the children. As investigations continue, one undeniable truth remains: the officer's actions reflect a shocking disregard for the safety and well-being of the children involved, leaving lasting psychological harm.
