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LBCI
2 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanon's showdown: Will the Lebanese army succeed in enforcing state control over arms?
Report by Nada Andraos, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian The Lebanese army is finalizing its plan to centralize weapons under state control and implement U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 across the country, ahead of presenting it to the cabinet at the end of the month. According to LBCI sources, the plan will rely on military, financial, and timeline frameworks, supported by U.S. technical assistance and the backing of the ceasefire monitoring mechanism. The army's plan builds on the ceasefire agreement, which marked the start of an initial plan launched under Joseph Aoun, who was then commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces and is now president, focusing on the south of the Litani River. The next phase will extend across Lebanon. The timeline for the army to collect weapons by the end of this year could be extended to better match conditions on the ground. Financially, while the army and security forces await $1 billion annually over 10 years from international donors to strengthen equipment and personnel, U.S. support will continue at $150 million per year, alongside salary increases and an expansion of troops to 4,500 fully equipped personnel—or more, as implementation progresses. On the ground, the plan calls for enhancing military capabilities on land, in the air, and at sea. The air force will be strengthened for reconnaissance and aerial surveillance missions. The navy will be upgraded to secure coasts and territorial waters. On land, the plan will involve organizational restructuring and advanced training for units deployed south of the Litani, along the borders, and internally, in preparation for expanding the roles of all units tasked with reconnaissance, surveillance, and security operations to other areas. The plan is divided into three phases beyond the south of the Litani River: up to the Awali River, Greater Beirut, and the Bekaa. Each phase defines objectives and the arms to be collected, allowing for gradual and coherent implementation. The army's anticipated plan is expected to outline the operational and security requirements at a politically sensitive moment, though political backing and consensus are not guaranteed. In other words, by the end of August, the cabinet could face a difficult crossroads if it approves the army's weapons collection plan and insists on assigning the army to implement it on the ground, even without the approval of the Hezbollah-Amal Movement political duo.
LBCI
29-05-2025
- General
- LBCI
LBCI's Nada Andraos makes first appearance after stray bullet injury, urges return of state authority
Lebanese journalist and senior LBCI reporter Nada Andraos made her first public appearance after being struck by a stray bullet, expressing gratitude for her recovery and calling for the return of state authority in Lebanon. Speaking on LBCI's "Nharkom Said" TV show, Andraos expressed gratitude for being alive and used the moment to highlight the growing dangers faced by civilians due to lawlessness. "I hope the state's authority returns," she said, in a clear call for stronger governance and public safety. Andraos, a senior reporter, talk show host, and news anchor, was injured by a stray bullet in her thigh while leaving Tripoli after covering the municipal and mukhtar elections there. Her case drew public sympathy and reignited debate around gun control and the state's role in ensuring security.
Arab News
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Lebanon's parliament doubles penalty for celebratory gunfire
BEIRUT: Lebanon's parliament on Thursday approved an amendment to the law that aims to curb celebratory gunfire by doubling the penalties for those who fire shots into the air. The new law imposes stricter penalties for individuals involved in actions that have led to numerous injuries and fatalities in recent years. The action comes after Lebanese Army Command announced the arrest of eight people as part of efforts to identify those who fired gunshots during last Sunday's municipal elections in the North Lebanon and Akkar governorates. Army units, with support from a Directorate of Intelligence patrol, raided the homes of several suspects and seized weapons and ammunition they possessed. The skies over the North and Akkar governorates were illuminated last Sunday night by gunfire, celebrating candidates' victories in the municipal elections, where local families traditionally compete for seats on the city councils that govern their affairs. The celebratory gunfire caused injury to a young man, Mohammed Jihad Khaled, from the town of Ain Al-Dahab in Akkar. He is still fighting for his life after a bullet struck his head. He remains in a coma after being moved to the intensive care unit of a hospital. Journalist Nada Andraos was also injured by celebratory gunfire, as a bullet struck her leg after piercing the car she was in while covering the elections with her team from the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International. Andraos, who seemed stunned by the incident — especially since the bullet could have struck her head instead of her leg — commented on social media: 'In Lebanon, a stray bullet represents the value of life.' Victims' families often file lawsuits in court and with security agencies against unidentified people. Many offenders escape punishment, leading to repeated tragedies where celebratory gunfire accompanies even minor school achievements. The law prohibiting the firing of firearms into the air specifies that if such actions lead to a person's illness or incapacity that causes them to miss work for fewer than 10 days, the offender will face a prison sentence of nine months to three years, in addition to a fine ranging from 10 to 15 times the official minimum wage. MP Wadah Al-Sadiq said that the amendment had increased the penalty duration. Previously, the penalty ranged from six months to three years; now it begins at one year in prison and can go up to six years. The final decision will be made by the judge who issues the ruling. Information Minister Paul Morcos, an international human rights defender, welcomed the amendment. It serves as an additional deterrent, moving toward prohibiting such practices and ensuring accountability for perpetrators, he said. Lawyer Imad Al-Masri, who specializes in criminal cases, said: 'Any individual who discharges firearms or fireworks in populated areas or in the presence of a crowd, regardless of whether their firearm is licensed, will face a prison sentence of six months to three years. 'Additionally, they will incur a fine ranging from eight to 15 times the official minimum wage. 'The weapon shall be confiscated in all cases, and the perpetrator shall be referred to the military court for trial.' Al-Masri said that the military court imposes penalties on individuals who fire bullets into the air, ranging from fines to prison sentences of six months to two years. A judicial source said that the military court has numerous cases related to firing into the air. These offenses are punishable by law and escalate from a misdemeanor to a felony if the shooting results in casualties. Al-Masri said: 'Increasing the penalty is a deterrent if it is accompanied by strict prior measures and the enforcement of immediate prosecution and, most importantly, changing social behavior regarding this dangerous practice.' Riots continued for a second day in Roumieh Prison, Lebanon's largest prison, coinciding with the parliamentary session. Inmates are demanding the approval of a general amnesty law and a reduction in their imprisonment period. Tensions ran high among both convicts and detainees, some of whom hung symbolic gallows inside their cells as a form of protest. Lawyer Rabih Qais, the program manager at the Lebanese Foundation for Permanent Civil Peace and a longtime observer of prison affairs, said: 'The law proposal submitted by several MPs addresses the issue of delayed trials for detainees. 'Many of these people have spent years in prison, even though the sentences they might receive if tried could be significantly shorter than the time they have already served.' Qais said Lebanon 'evaluates every decision through the lens of sectarian power-sharing. 'As a result, many of those advocating for amnesty are Islamists and individuals from the Baalbek-Hermel region, many of whom are facing in absentia arrest warrants related to clashes with security forces or drug-related offenses. 'This may explain why the draft amnesty law was sent to parliamentary committees. However, what is truly needed is justice for the oppressed.'
LBCI
12-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanon's gunfire culture: LBCI journalist among others wounded amid post-election celebrations
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi In Lebanon, a stray bullet is often enough to turn victory into tragedy. Such was the case when a bullet fired in celebration of an election win struck journalist Nada Andraos Aziz, injuring her as she sat in the LBCI news car. That bullet pierced the roof of the vehicle and lodged in her leg, a few centimeters from what could have been a fatal or permanently disabling wound. Andraos, a seasoned journalist, was accompanied by cameramen Wajih Malek and Yahya Habchiti at the time. Any of them could have become casualties of a moment meant for celebration. What began as jubilant gunfire could have ended in death. Across North Lebanon, similar scenes unfolded. In Wadi Khaled, young man Mohammad Jihad Khaled now lies in intensive care, gravely wounded by another celebratory bullet. The full extent of his injuries remains unknown, but the recklessness is apparent. These incidents are part of a troubling pattern that recurs across the country. Whether celebrating a new year, honoring the dead, or rejoicing over academic success, many Lebanese have normalized celebratory gunfire—often at the cost of others' lives and safety. The bullet that hit Andraos is a grim symbol of the chaos and impunity that continue to thrive. It reflects a deep-rooted culture where weapons are plentiful, accountability is scarce, and the value of human life is tragically negotiable. In a country where neighbors protect each other's wrongdoings, where political leaders shield their supporters, and where security forces often disregard armed civilians, public safety hangs by a thread. If human life had the value it deserves, fireworks—not gunfire—would mark moments of joy.
LBCI
12-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanese Press Syndicate condemns reckless gunfire after LBCI journalist Nada Andraos injured during elections
The head of the Lebanese Press Editors Syndicate, Joseph Kosseifi, condemned the ongoing phenomenon of celebratory and indiscriminate gunfire during national events and social occasions, highlighting its danger to civilians. His comments came in response to multiple shooting incidents reported in northern Lebanon during municipal elections, which put lives at risk, including those of media professionals covering the polls. Among the victims was LBCI journalist Nada Andraos, who was struck by a stray bullet in the Damm w Farz area of Tripoli. Kosseifi extended his well wishes to Andraos for her recovery and expressed relief at her survival. He called on judicial authorities and security forces to strictly pursue those responsible for firing weapons and to bring them before the appropriate courts. He emphasized that holding perpetrators accountable is essential to safeguarding citizens' lives and ensuring public safety.
