ISF launches new mounted patrols in Beirut to 'help bring the police closer to the public'

Mounted Internal Security Forces patrols are now present on the streets of downtown Beirut as part of community policing efforts aimed at maintaining public order, a source at the Internal Security Forces told L'Orient Today Wednesday.

The source stressed that "the move is intended to reinforce public reassurance rather than respond to any rise in crime," adding that, “During this season there is usually a positive atmosphere among people, and our presence is meant to reinforce that feeling of safety. The decision to deploy mounted ISF personnel is taken in advance, especially in crowded areas where officers keeping order on horses helps bring us closer to the public."

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The ISF said that this move is "in line with the principles of community policing and in order to maintain security and public order [and that] this step has been welcomed by citizens who have expressed their admiration for it, considering it a contribution to enhancing the sense of safety," in a statement Wednesday.

"Mounted units are particularly effective in narrow streets, busy neighborhoods and rough or wooded terrain where vehicles cannot easily operate," the source said, explaining that the horses and officers belong to a specialized department trained specifically for such missions.

However, the source said that they can "also help spread joy when stationed on the streets during holidays, where people often approach them, take photos, and interact positively. We always welcome this engagement as part of strengthening trust between the public and the Internal Security Forces."

In photos shared by the ISF on X, people can be seen posing and taking selfies with the horses.

People split over the move

Reactions on X were mixed, while some users welcomed the move, others responded with humor or skepticism. Nicole Nasr commented on the ISF’s post, writing “no joke,” while Mahmoud Shahrouk questioned, “If they had fixed the traffic lights, wouldn’t that have been better?”

Samia Kteish reacted sarcastically, posting, “What a true accomplishment, what do we need as citizens more than this?” accompanied by laughing emojis.

Meanwhile, Taha Krobosli expressed cautious optimism, hoping the initiative would “extend past Beirut too” and that the ISF would be present across Lebanon to ensure “safety.”