Caretaker Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi announced Monday several measures taken by security forces following a series of crimes and offenses that have recently shocked public opinion, emphasizing the need for “increased cooperation with Syrian authorities” to address security challenges.

Following a meeting of the Central Security Council, Mawlawi said that the police “are fulfilling their mission.”

“It's important to distinguish between premeditated crimes related to security situations and those connected to personal or psychological circumstances, which occur in every country in the world,” he added, stressing that the former could be prevented “by strengthening security presence, but the latter cannot be anticipated.”

He praised the “responsiveness” of security services in arresting suspects. He stated that “the number of arrests carried out by security services is increasing,” noting that in January, 1,920 people were apprehended for various offenses.

Increased patrols and personnel

To fight crime, the minister announced a series of measures, including intensifying patrols across the territory, increasing security force personnel and banning motorcycle traffic in Beirut due to a rise in snatch thefts. Mawlawi did not specify to what extent these motorcycle bans would be enforced. In recent months, several security plans, consisting of roadblocks to control the circulation of mopeds and non-compliant cars, have been implemented.

Mawlawi also emphasized that the Lebanese army will maintain “increased surveillance” of the border area between Lebanon (Northeast) and Syria, despite the challenges, calling for “reinforced cooperation from the Syrian authorities” and stated that security forces were redoubling their efforts to apprehend any suspect before leaving Lebanese territory. Due to the large number of illegal crossings regularly opened by gangs on both sides of the border, who own land in the region, it is nearly impossible to permanently close these routes. Faced with the presumed involvement of Syrian nationals in some cases, calls for the repatriation of displaced persons are increasing, while others point to the leniency of Lebanese authorities.

'Systematic' arrests of suspects

The minister emphasized the crucial role of security forces, acknowledging that “some recent crimes could not have been avoided.” Among these cases is the murder of the archimandrite Anania Kojanian, whose main suspect is believed to have fled to Syria, according to local media, and the murder of Khalil Khalil this weekend in Faraya (Kesrwan).

“These acts could not have been prevented, but their perpetrators are systematically apprehended,” he said, insisting on the authorities' determination to prosecute and bring to justice those responsible for these crimes.

On Saturday, Armenian archimandrite Anania Kojanian, 40, was found dead, presumably killed, at his home in the Bsalim region of Metn. He was responsible for the affairs of the Armenian Orthodox community in Zahleh and Anjar, in the Bekaa. The same day, Khalil Khalil was killed in Faraya following a dispute over right of way. The Lebanese army quickly arrested the two suspects.

Among other cases that have agitated Lebanon in recent days, shots were fired at the home and car of Father Elie Mashaalani on Sunday in Mreijat, in the Bekaa. On Jan. 27, the lifeless body of the owner of a gas station in Mazraat Yashouh, in Metn, was found tied up and dumped inside a toilet. Four of his Syrian employees were suspected of the murder, whose motive was believed to be theft. On Jan. 14, a car dealership owner was murdered in Dbayeh, also in Metn. His killer was arrested in the southern suburbs of Beirut by the Internal Security Forces.