Caretaker Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi. (Credit: NNA)
BEIRUT — Caretaker Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi said that the socio-economic crisis that Lebanon has been grappling with since 2019 "makes us anticipate the potential for chaos." However, based on "daily security reports," he dismissed possible "security incidents."
At least five bank holdups took place in Lebanon on Friday before a strict plan to impose law and order was announced by Mawlawi the same day.
In statements made to the Sharq al-Awsat newspaper and published Sunday, Mawlawi said "the Interior ministry and the Internal Security Forces continue to carry out their mission despite harsh conditions," adding, "The Lebanese do not want a war, and daily security reports show that there are no security incidents to be expected."
However, Mawlawi went on to tell the publication that the "social crisis due to the economic and financial circumstances push us to be ready to expect chaos."
"We rely on the patriotism of the security forces and the awareness of their leaders; these forces should remain conscious and present to serve the country and protect society, and we are working with the security and military leaders to secure the security forces' requirements, including fuel and medicine, and adjusting salaries despite the difficulties," Mawlawi continued.
Earlier this week, Mawlawi announced a "sustainable" security plan had been devised for North Lebanon, following two deadly shootings in Tripoli that raised fears of more violence. Violent security incidents have become a common occurrence in Lebanon's poorest city amid the struggles of the country's ongoing financial crisis.