Latest news with #militaryaffairs
LBCI
01-08-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Army Commander Rodolph Haykal: Military stands firm amid challenges, ready to defend Lebanon's sovereignty
Army Commander Rodolph Haykal held an exceptional meeting in Yarzeh to mark the Lebanese Army's 80th anniversary. The gathering included senior leadership, unit commanders, and independent battalion officers, and focused on developments at both the local and regional levels, as well as internal military affairs. Haykal provided directives in light of Lebanon's ongoing crises. He extended his congratulations to the officers on the occasion, affirming that the army continues to fulfill its role effectively, as it has in the past, thanks to the dedication of its members across ranks and responsibilities. Haykal emphasized that the army remains committed to its mission despite mounting challenges, particularly Israel's repeated violations and attacks against Lebanon's sovereignty, which have resulted in casualties and destruction. 'We are proud of our martyrs and wounded who have made great sacrifices for the nation,' he said. He outlined the military's priorities, including maintaining internal stability, safeguarding the northern and eastern borders, preventing smuggling, and confronting external threats. He also noted the importance of continued coordination with Syrian authorities regarding border security. Haykal highlighted the army's deployment south of the Litani River in close coordination with the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), noting that the Israeli army continues to occupy several points following its latest aggression. He said that the Israeli occupation remains the only obstacle to completing the army's deployment, while southern residents have shown full cooperation with the military. The army command is also in constant communication with the ceasefire monitoring committee (Mechanism). He also revealed that the army is closely monitoring the movements of terrorist groups and working to arrest their members. Haykal concluded by expressing deep appreciation to the soldiers for their efforts and sacrifices.
Russia Today
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Russia and African island nation discuss strengthening ties
Russia and Sao Tome and Principe have discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas including military affairs and agriculture, the Russian Embassy in the Central African island nation has reported. The two countries signed an agreement in St. Petersburg last year that the Kremlin says is intended to establish long-term military cooperation, covering areas such as joint training and counterterrorism. The deal is set to remain in force indefinitely. On Wednesday, the Russian ambassador to Angola and Sao Tome and Principe, Vladimir Tararov, met with Sao Tomean Prime Minister Americo Ramos for talks which, according to the embassy, focused on 'current topics of bilateral cooperation of mutual interest.' Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Tararov said the talks had covered cooperation in agriculture and the military-technical fields, as well as research on biodiversity and marine resources. 'We found an understanding regarding the entry of our [Russian] training ship,' the diplomat said, according to the African state's official news agency, STP-Press. The vessel is expected to host 'a protocol event' to mark Sao Tome's 50th independence anniversary on July 12, as well as the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, to be celebrated on August 9, the envoy added. In May, the Africa Confidential news outlet reported that authorities in Sao Tome had ratified last year's agreement granting Russia access to the country's naval port on the Atlantic Ocean. Under the April 2024 pact, the two sides will also exchange information and expertise in military education, cooperate on engineering support for troops, and work together to combat piracy and terrorism, as well as provide military logistical support. Russian President Vladimir Putin said last November at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi that African nations are increasingly turning to Moscow for security assistance. Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger – countries grappling with over a decade of deadly jihadist insurgency – have severed defense ties with France and looked to Russia for security cooperation to address instability in the Sahel. The three nations have accused their former colonial power of prolonging the crisis under the pretext of counterterrorism.
