Haykal inspects army units in Beirut, Saida as security plan begins

BEIRUT — Lebanese Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal inspected several army units in Beirut and Saida, reviewing security measures within their areas of responsibility following the start of a security plan that includes the deployment of additional troops.

A security source told L'Orient Today on Friday that the plan mainly involves a large deployment of the army's Third Intervention Regiment in the capital to preserve security, especially between the displaced people and the host communities.

Haykal addressed the military personnel, emphasizing the importance of maintaining readiness to prevent any disruption of security and of being firm against any attempts to undermine internal stability, according to a statement released by the army.

“Despite the rumors and incitement campaigns that seek to downplay the sacrifices and efforts of our military personnel, the army will not hesitate to fulfill its national responsibilities," he said. “Soldiers should not be influenced by these rumors, and must hold fast to their doctrine and remain committed to performing their national duty," he added.

Within the context of the plan, the Internal Security Forces facilitated the transfer of displaced Syrian families living in tents in the park near Saida's Martyrs’ Square and the seafront corniche by linking them to shelters prepared to receive them on Friday, the state-run National News Agency reported. According to our regional correspondent, the majority of the displaced Syrian nationals were workers who left the Nabatieh, Sour and Zahrani regions, following the outbreak of the war. While some have left back to their home countries, others have remained in Saida, our correspondent added.

Fears of internal sectarian tensions have increased in recent weeks as over a million people were displaced in Lebanon as a result of the war between Hezbollah and Israel that started on March 2.