Latest news with #securityoperation
Arab News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Lebanese army carries out special operation, eliminates 3 notorious drug lords in Baalbek
BEIRUT: The Lebanese Army Command confirmed on Wednesday the death of three of the country's most notorious and dangerous drug traffickers, who were killed during an armed clash between army units and the wanted individuals in Baalbek. The security operation, hailed by Lebanese media as 'a major milestone in the war on drugs' and 'a clear message to fugitives that the era of impunity is nearing its end,' took place less than 24 hours after the Cabinet instructed 'the army to develop a plan for seizing illegal weapons by year's end and submit it to the government by the end of August. The Army Command announced in a statement that 'during the pursuit of a vehicle carrying wanted members of the Zeaiter family in the Sharawneh neighborhood of Baalbek, a clash broke out between the suspects and army units, resulting in their deaths.' The individuals have been identified as Ali Monzer Zeaiter, Abbas Ali Saadoun Zeaiter, and Fayyad Salem Zeaiter and were wanted for a series of serious crimes, including the killing of soldiers, kidnapping, armed assaults on army posts and patrols, and armed robbery. The Directorate of Orientation reported that 'the wanted individuals had been involved for years in large-scale drug trafficking across multiple Lebanese regions, contributing to the rise of crime and drawing thousands, especially youth, into lives of crime.' It added that previous operations to bring the individuals to justice failed, with some resulting in injuries among its soldiers. The Army Command denied reports that homes or relatives of the wanted individuals, or any residents, had been targeted during the operation. It also refuted claims of any clashes between residents and army personnel. Baalbek is predominantly influenced by powerful tribal families, many of which have historically served as a supportive base for Hezbollah. Some wanted individuals have long been shielded by both the party and their tribal affiliations. Sharawneh, the Baalbek neighborhood targeted in the army raid, has become a refuge for dozens of wanted arms and drug traffickers, many equipped with rockets and machine guns. The area is notoriously difficult for security forces to access, operating as a closed zone under the influence of complex and deeply rooted tribal influence. Eyewitnesses in the city reported that the army 'deployed drones during the operation to conduct precision strikes in the area.' Ali Monzer, regarded as one of the most powerful figures in the Bekaa Valley's drug trade, is infamous for repeatedly evading security prosecution. He was wanted on hundreds of arrest warrants for crimes including drug trafficking, armed assaults, and kidnappings. Around five years ago, he moved to Baalbek's Sharawneh neighborhood. A military source revealed: 'The operation was the result of meticulous surveillance of his movements. The aim was not only to capture him, but also to deliver a significant blow to the drug networks that have entrenched themselves in the Sharawneh neighborhood.' The kingpin was previously involved in a 2022 armed attack on a Lebanese army patrol, which left a sergeant dead and several others wounded. During that raid, Ali Monzer sustained two gunshot wounds but managed to escape despite his critical injuries. On July 24, the army tracked him using a drone, suspecting him to be among a group of wanted individuals fleeing in a four-wheel-drive vehicle through the Bekaa Valley. The drone launched a missile near the vehicle, successfully disabling it. However, he escaped before army forces could reach the scene. On Wednesday, Hezbollah issued a statement rejecting the Cabinet's decision, passed during its Tuesday night session, to restrict the possession of weapons to the state. The party accused Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's government of 'committing a major sin by adopting a resolution that strips Lebanon of its ability to resist the Israeli enemy, effectively granting Israel what it failed to achieve through military aggression.' Hezbollah further claimed the decision was driven by pressure from US Envoy Thomas Barrack, calling it 'part of a surrender strategy' and 'a clear betrayal of the core principles of Lebanon's sovereignty.' However, in the same statement, Hezbollah affirmed its 'openness for dialogue aimed at ending Israeli aggression against Lebanon, liberating occupied territories, securing the release of prisoners, rebuilding what was destroyed by the aggression, and contributing to the construction of a strong state.' The party 'expressed its willingness to discuss a national security strategy but emphasized that such discussions must not take place under the threat of aggression,' adding that Tel Aviv 'must first fulfill its obligations.' The group also called on the Lebanese government to 'prioritize all necessary measures to liberate Lebanese territories still under occupation, in accordance with its ministerial declaration.' Meanwhile, Israel continued its strikes on Hezbollah, launching a drone attack on a motorcycle in the town of Touline, killing a child and injuring his father, who were both riding the vehicle. An Israeli airstrike late Tuesday night targeted the Baalbek region deep within Lebanon, reportedly striking 'a vehicle carrying a Hezbollah member.' According to Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee, 'the individual, identified as Hossam Qassem Ghorab, was a Hezbollah operative accused of operating from Lebanese territory to coordinate cells in Syria, planning rocket attacks on the Golan Heights.'
Yahoo
26-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Security tightens as Donald Trump plays golf at Turnberry
A major security operation is ramping up as Donald Trump begins a four-day private visit in Scotland. The US president arrived at Prestwick Airport on Friday evening and stayed at his luxury golf resort, Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire. Wearing a white "USA" cap and accompanied by his second son Eric, he teed off for a round of golf at about 10:00 on his first morning at the resort. Trump is due to meet UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scotland's First Minister John Swinney over the next few days, as well as opening a second 18-hole course at his estate in Aberdeenshire. In pictures: President Trump arrives in Scotland Trump says 'great to be in Scotland', as he lands for four-day trip What do we know about Donald Trump's visit to Scotland? The president said it was "great to be in Scotland" and has praised the leaders of both governments. Several hundred demonstrators gathered in both Aberdeen and Edinburgh to protest against the visit. Anita Bhadani was among those who helped organise the Stop Trump Coalition protest outside the US Consulate General's office in Edinburgh. She said: "We are really excited, across this whole weekend, there's so many campaign groups turning out in the streets, taking in action in their communities or at rallies like this. "It's kind of like a carnival of resistance." Many people at the protests carried signs referring to an expletive slogan made infamous by the late comedian Janey Godley in 2018. Questions have already been raised about the scale of the visit and the security implications, with police representatives raising concerns about the costs involved and the impact on staffing. Journalists, photographers and plane watchers were among the crowds who gathered to see Air Force One touch down at Prestwick just before 20:30 on Friday. Trump was greeted by Scottish Secretary Ian Murray and Warren Stephens, US Ambassador to the UK. The president spoke with journalists before a motorcade made up of more than two dozen vehicles escorted him to Turnberry. A number of roads have been closed in the area while police and military personnel have been carrying out sweeps around the resort. A security checkpoint has been put in place outside the hotel and a large fence has been erected around the course. While security remains tight around Turnberry, some golfers were able to use the Ailsa course from about 07:30 - albeit in windy conditions. Drones and helicopters have also been circling overhead. Trump played his round of golf with his son Eric, as well as US Ambassador Warren Stephens and his son. Their entourage included 15 golf buggies. A round during peak summer season can cost £1,000 at Turnberry. There were no sign of any protesters around the course. Trump waved to photographers who had gathered on a beach dune for a vantage point as he walked to the fourth tee. The White House said that his son Donald Trump Jr was also accompanying him for the weekend. Trump's round coincided with an announcement by the Scottish government that £180,000 of public funding will support a tournament being held at his Aberdeenshire course next month. The 2025 Nexo Championship on the DP World Tour is taking place at Trump International Golf Links from 7-10 August. The Scottish government said the funding would go towards supporting delivery of the event. John Swinney said the cash boost showed the government "recognises the importance and benefits" of golf in the country. He added: "As the home of golf, we have a long-standing track record of support and I am proud this funding will further enhance Aberdeenshire's reputation as a leading golfing destination and I am hopeful of securing further golfing events in future years." Trump is expected to meet Swinney on Monday, the same day he will see Starmer. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet the president on Sunday to discuss transatlantic trade relations. The US president will travel back to Washington on Tuesday and is due to return to the UK for an official state visit in September. In his remarks to the press at Prestwick, Trump said European countries need to "get your act together" on migration, and "stop the windmills", referring to wind farms. In 2019, his company Trump International lost a long-running court battle to stop a wind power development being built in the North Sea off Aberdeen. Trump argued that the project, which included 11 wind turbines, would spoil the view from his golf course at Menie. Swinney has said his meeting with Trump would present an opportunity to "essentially speak out for Scotland" on issues such as trade and the increase of business from the United States in Scotland. The first minister said he would also raise "significant international issues" including "the awfulness of the situation in Gaza". He urged those set to protest against the president's visit to do so "peacefully and to do so within the law". Visits to Scotland by sitting US presidents are rare. Queen Elizabeth hosted Dwight D Eisenhower at Balmoral in Aberdeenshire in 1957. George W Bush travelled to Gleneagles in Perthshire for a G8 summit in 2005 and Joe Biden attended a climate conference in Glasgow in 2021. The only other serving president to visit this century is Trump himself in 2018 when he was met by protesters including one flying a paraglider low over Turnberry, breaching the air exclusion zone around the resort. He returned in 2023, two-and-a-half years after he was defeated by Biden. Trump will have an official state visit to the UK in September when he and First Lady Melania Trump will be hosted by King Charles at Windsor Castle in Berkshire. It is the second state visit he has been afforded - second-term US presidents are traditionally not offered state visits and have instead been invited for tea or lunch with the monarch, usually at Windsor Castle.
Yahoo
26-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Security tightens as Donald Trump plays golf at Turnberry
A major security operation is ramping up as Donald Trump begins a four-day private visit in Scotland. The US president arrived at Prestwick Airport on Friday evening and stayed at his luxury golf resort, Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire. Wearing a white "USA" cap and accompanied by his second son Eric, he teed off for a round of golf at about 10:00 on his first morning at the resort. Trump is due to meet UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scotland's First Minister John Swinney over the next few days, as well as opening a second 18-hole course at his estate in Aberdeenshire. In pictures: President Trump arrives in Scotland Trump says 'great to be in Scotland', as he lands for four-day trip What do we know about Donald Trump's visit to Scotland? The president said it was "great to be in Scotland" and has praised the leaders of both governments. Several hundred demonstrators gathered in both Aberdeen and Edinburgh to protest against the visit. Anita Bhadani was among those who helped organise the Stop Trump Coalition protest outside the US Consulate General's office in Edinburgh. She said: "We are really excited, across this whole weekend, there's so many campaign groups turning out in the streets, taking in action in their communities or at rallies like this. "It's kind of like a carnival of resistance." Many people at the protests carried signs referring to an expletive slogan made infamous by the late comedian Janey Godley in 2018. Questions have already been raised about the scale of the visit and the security implications, with police representatives raising concerns about the costs involved and the impact on staffing. Journalists, photographers and plane watchers were among the crowds who gathered to see Air Force One touch down at Prestwick just before 20:30 on Friday. Trump was greeted by Scottish Secretary Ian Murray and Warren Stephens, US Ambassador to the UK. The president spoke with journalists before a motorcade made up of more than two dozen vehicles escorted him to Turnberry. A number of roads have been closed in the area while police and military personnel have been carrying out sweeps around the resort. A security checkpoint has been put in place outside the hotel and a large fence has been erected around the course. While security remains tight around Turnberry, some golfers were able to use the Ailsa course from about 07:30 - albeit in windy conditions. Drones and helicopters have also been circling overhead. Trump played his round of golf with his son Eric, as well as US Ambassador Warren Stephens and his son. Their entourage included 15 golf buggies. A round during peak summer season can cost £1,000 at Turnberry. There were no sign of any protesters around the course. Trump waved to photographers who had gathered on a beach dune for a vantage point as he walked to the fourth tee. The White House said that his son Donald Trump Jr was also accompanying him for the weekend. Trump's round coincided with an announcement by the Scottish government that £180,000 of public funding will support a tournament being held at his Aberdeenshire course next month. The 2025 Nexo Championship on the DP World Tour is taking place at Trump International Golf Links from 7-10 August. The Scottish government said the funding would go towards supporting delivery of the event. John Swinney said the cash boost showed the government "recognises the importance and benefits" of golf in the country. He added: "As the home of golf, we have a long-standing track record of support and I am proud this funding will further enhance Aberdeenshire's reputation as a leading golfing destination and I am hopeful of securing further golfing events in future years." Trump is expected to meet Swinney on Monday, the same day he will see Starmer. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet the president on Sunday to discuss transatlantic trade relations. The US president will travel back to Washington on Tuesday and is due to return to the UK for an official state visit in September. In his remarks to the press at Prestwick, Trump said European countries need to "get your act together" on migration, and "stop the windmills", referring to wind farms. In 2019, his company Trump International lost a long-running court battle to stop a wind power development being built in the North Sea off Aberdeen. Trump argued that the project, which included 11 wind turbines, would spoil the view from his golf course at Menie. Swinney has said his meeting with Trump would present an opportunity to "essentially speak out for Scotland" on issues such as trade and the increase of business from the United States in Scotland. The first minister said he would also raise "significant international issues" including "the awfulness of the situation in Gaza". He urged those set to protest against the president's visit to do so "peacefully and to do so within the law". Visits to Scotland by sitting US presidents are rare. Queen Elizabeth hosted Dwight D Eisenhower at Balmoral in Aberdeenshire in 1957. George W Bush travelled to Gleneagles in Perthshire for a G8 summit in 2005 and Joe Biden attended a climate conference in Glasgow in 2021. The only other serving president to visit this century is Trump himself in 2018 when he was met by protesters including one flying a paraglider low over Turnberry, breaching the air exclusion zone around the resort. He returned in 2023, two-and-a-half years after he was defeated by Biden. Trump will have an official state visit to the UK in September when he and First Lady Melania Trump will be hosted by King Charles at Windsor Castle in Berkshire. It is the second state visit he has been afforded - second-term US presidents are traditionally not offered state visits and have instead been invited for tea or lunch with the monarch, usually at Windsor Castle.
Yahoo
26-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Security tightens as Donald Trump plays golf at Turnberry
A major security operation is ramping up as Donald Trump begins a four-day private visit in Scotland. The US president arrived at Prestwick Airport on Friday evening and stayed at his luxury golf resort, Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire. Wearing a white "USA" cap and accompanied by his second son Eric, he teed off for a round of golf at about 10:00 on his first morning at the resort. Trump is due to meet UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scotland's First Minister John Swinney over the next few days, as well as opening a second 18-hole course at his estate in Aberdeenshire. In pictures: President Trump arrives in Scotland Trump says 'great to be in Scotland', as he lands for four-day trip What do we know about Donald Trump's visit to Scotland? The president has said "it's great to be in Scotland" and has praised the leaders of both governments. Several hundred demonstrators have gathered in both Aberdeen and Edinburgh to protest against the visit. Many carried signs referring to an expletive slogan made infamous by the late comedian Janey Godley in 2018. Questions have already been raised about the scale of the visit and the security implications, with police representatives raising concerns about the costs involved and the impact on staffing. Journalists, photographers and plane watchers were among the crowds who gathered to see Air Force One touch down at Prestwick just before 20:30 on Friday. Trump was greeted by Scottish Secretary Ian Murray and Warren Stephens, US Ambassador to the UK. The president spoke with journalists before a motorcade made up of more than two dozen vehicles escorted him to Turnberry. A number of roads have been closed in the area while police and military personnel have been carrying out sweeps around the resort. A security checkpoint has been put in place outside the hotel and a large fence has been erected around the course. While security remains tight around Turnberry, some golfers were able to use the Ailsa course from about 07:30 - albeit in windy conditions. Drones and helicopters have also been circling overhead. Trump played his round of golf with three others, including his son Eric, with an entourage that included 15 golf buggies. A round during peak summer season can cost £1,000 at Turnberry. There were no sign of any protesters around the course. Trump waved to photographers who had gathered on a beach dune for a vantage point as he walked to the fourth tee. Trump is expected to meet Starmer and Swinney on Monday while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet the president on Sunday to discuss transatlantic trade relations. The US president will travel back to Washington on Tuesday and is due to return to the UK for an official state visit in September. In his remarks to the press at Prestwick, Trump said European countries need to "get your act together" on migration, and "stop the windmills", referring to wind farms. In 2019, his company Trump International lost a long-running court battle to stop a major wind power development being built in the North Sea off Aberdeen. Trump argued that the project, which included 11 wind turbines, would spoil the view from his golf course at Menie. Swinney has said his meeting with Trump would present an opportunity to "essentially speak out for Scotland" on issues such as trade and the increase of business from the United States in Scotland. The first minister said he would also raise "significant international issues" including "the awfulness of the situation in Gaza". He urged those set to protest against the president's visit to do so "peacefully and to do so within the law". Visits to Scotland by sitting US presidents are rare. Queen Elizabeth hosted Dwight D Eisenhower at Balmoral in Aberdeenshire in 1957. George W Bush travelled to Gleneagles in Perthshire for a G8 summit in 2005 and Joe Biden attended a climate conference in Glasgow in 2021. The only other serving president to visit this century is Trump himself in 2018 when he was met by protesters including one flying a paraglider low over Turnberry, breaching the air exclusion zone around the resort. He returned in 2023, two-and-a-half years after he was defeated by Biden. Trump will have an official state visit to the UK in September when he and First Lady Melania Trump will be hosted by King Charles at Windsor Castle in Berkshire. It is the second state visit he has been afforded - second-term US presidents are traditionally not offered state visits and have instead been invited for tea or lunch with the monarch, usually at Windsor Castle.
Daily Mail
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Marine One arrives as Scotland gears up for Trump's visit... while back home he targets old foe Obama in bizarre AI generated posts
Scotland was gearing up for the visit of US President Donald Trump yesterday as US military aircraft gathered at Prestwick Airport. The huge security operation began in earnest at the Ayrshire hub as US military planes and helicopters gathered ahead of his arrival on Friday. Two US Army C17A Globemaster aircraft arrived carrying what was thought to be the S92 Marine One Presidential Helicopter. The helicopter was spotted flying out from the HMS Gannet airbase at Prestwick yesterday in test flights around Ayrshire with US servicemen. Last week the President claimed the UK needed to 'get rid of the windmills and bring back the oil' as he announced he will meet Sir Keir Starmer in Aberdeen. Mr Trump hit out at the renewables drive as he prepared for his four-day private visit to open his latest golf course in Aberdeenshire. Confirming the talks with Sir Keir, the President said his 'state meeting with the Prime Minister' will be 'up in Aberdeen, which is the oil capital of Europe'. He added: 'They should bring it back too. They have so much oil there. They should get rid of the energy windmills and bring back the oil.' The 79-year-old already owns two Scottish golf courses, one in Menie, Aberdeenshire, as well as Turnberry, in Ayrshire, where it is thought he will be staying. His latest golf links is named the MacLeod Course after his mother Mary, who was born on Lewis. It comes as Trump marked his six-month anniversary in office by posting a string of bizarre videos, including an AI-generated clip of Barack Obama being arrested at the White House and a fake mugshot of him. The US leader told the former President to 'lawyer up' following disclosures linking Obama-era officials to the origins of the FBI Russia investigation. The tirade came after Trump administration officials and conservative media widely promoted declassified documents suggesting Mr Obama played a central role in what Mr Trump has called the 'Russia hoax', the investigation into his administration's ties to the foreign adversary. The doctored video portrayed Mr Obama in an orange jumpsuit, accompanied by the message 'No one is above the law'. The footage, created by a little-known TikTok user, was one of dozens of posts uploaded to Mr Trump's Truth Social account. A separate video with a grim reaper figure describes the most 'co-ordinated political deception in US history' regarding Mr Obama's meeting with top intelligence officials to undermine Mr Trump's original election. 'Intelligence was politicised at the highest levels under the direction of a sitting president to frame the incoming one,' the ominous figure declares. 'It was a soft coup.' Last week, director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard released a cache of declassified documents from the final weeks of the Obama administration, alleging they expose a 'treasonous conspiracy' to undermine Trump after his 2016 victory. Several of Mr Trump's posts featured clips of Gabbard calling for Mr Obama to be prosecuted over claims of Russian collusion in the 2016 presidential election.
