Presumed hunters arrested by the ISF, along with weapons seized in their possession. Collage from the ISF website.
Two suspected poachers were arrested Thursday in northern Lebanon while illegally hunting migratory birds, the Internal Security Forces (ISF) announced in a statement on X Saturday.
The two men, Lebanese nationals M.S., born in 1986, and W.B., born in 1987, were caught in the act of hunting protected species, according to police.
"The two men were arrested while hunting rare birds. The ISF seized their hunting rifles, two quivers, 754 cartridges, and two storks they had shot — one of which was still alive. The Raid-type vehicle they were using was also seized," the statement said. The seized items were handed over to the police station in Arida, and legal proceedings are expected to be initiated. The birds were transferred to an animal protection association, under judicial guidance.
The hunting was illegal in two ways: First, migratory birds are protected under international conventions and are not authorized prey; second, hunting during this season is prohibited as it coincides with the birds' nesting period.
The police operation is part of the ISF’s ongoing efforts to combat "wild hunting, particularly of migratory birds, in order to protect nature and preserve the environment," the statement added.
Illegal hunting rampant in Akkar
A massive illegal hunt was reported recently in the Akkar region of northern Lebanon, with activists denouncing the activity on social media, sharing photos and videos as evidence. Animal protection activist Ghina Nahfawi Baltagi posted a video Wednesday showing dozens of hunters shooting migratory birds in Arida. She tagged the relevant ministries in her post.
According to our correspondent, the illegal activity has spread to several areas across northern Lebanon. Activists' calls for action were heard by the Ministers of Environment and Agriculture, who raised the issue in the last Cabinet meeting. Minister of Information Paul Morcos also mentioned the need to protect migratory birds. The ISF operation followed.
Lebanon is a key passageway for migratory birds traveling between Africa and Europe due to its abundant water sources. However, a law regulating hunting has never been fully enforced. Former Environment Minister Nasser Yassine, the de facto president of the High Council of Hunting, had pushed for a hunting ban, but efforts to stop poaching have largely failed.