The Lebanese Army Commander in Chief visits the Bekaa Intelligence Branch and the Sixth Brigade and offers his condolences in Bouday

The Lebanese Army Commander in Chief General Joseph Aoun visited the intelligence branch of the Bekaa region in Ablah, where he met the officers and soldiers and congratulated them on the achievements they are doing, especially the pursuit of drug dealers, stressing that the blood that fell in the last mission will not be in vain. He said: "Sacrifice is our destiny and not our option." He considered that the scourge of drugs is more dangerous than terrorism. Rather, it fuels terrorism and hits society, noting that "the task of combating drugs is not primarily the task of the army, but we cannot allow this poison to invade our families, our youth, and our society. This task has become our priority, based on our faith in our country and our concern for our people.”

General Aoun praised the high professionalism of the soldiers during the implementation of their missions, especially the last mission aimed at arresting the wanted Ali Munther Zuaiter in Baalbek, during which Sergeant Zine El Abidine Shamas was martyred and five other soldiers were wounded. "They were hit in a cowardly manner. Their blood was shed for the sake of the homeland," he said, "Accusing us of assaulting women and children is evidence of dishonesty and weakness. We call on all political and religious leaders to assume responsibility and carry out their duties towards the people of the region and protect it from the spread of the scourge of drugs. Our war against drugs continues and will not stop, and this is a promise to all the people. For those who have lost their children, we will pursue drug dealers and promoters and will not leave them. And for all those who seek to take advantage of what's happening, we are not against any family or clan, but against all outlaws and violators of security and stability. The army commander stressed that the timing of the implementation of any security mission or operation is linked to security reasons based on information and analysis, and not according to any agenda. He stressed that the army does not wait for any cover to carry out its missions, but rather performs them based on its oath. The army's only party is Lebanon, and its sect is the military uniform.

Then General Aoun moved to the town of Boday to offer his condolences to the family of the martyr Sergeant Zine El Abidine Shamas, in the presence of a member of the Military Council, Major General P. S. C. Malek Shamas. General Aoun assured the family that the martyr's blood will not go in vain, that it is an honor on the chest of the military institution, stressing that the army is continuing to pursue drug dealers, regardless of the sacrifices.
From Boday to the HQ of the Sixth Brigade in Baalbek, where the army commander met the officers and soldiers and assured them that security is a red line, and the army will not allow it to be touched. He stressed that the army is not against any clan, family or town, but rather its duty is to arrest the outlaws. He pointed out that the people of the Bekaa are tired of the security chaos, and they depend on the army to put an end to it, so this region deserves to be sacrificed for, especially while are at the beginning of a promising tourist season.
He concluded by addressing the soldiers: "I am proud to be a leader for heroes like you."