Aoun calls for exclusive control of weapons by army and security forces
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has urged that only the national army and official security forces be allowed to carry weapons across the entire Lebanese territory, effective immediately. His remarks were delivered during a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Lebanese army.
Speaking from the Ministry of Defense, where he laid a wreath in honor of fallen soldiers, President Aoun called on all political forces to unite behind the army and seize what he described as a “historic opportunity” to restore full state authority.
"It is our duty—and that of all political forces—to affirm without hesitation that arms must be held solely by the national army and security forces, across all of Lebanon, starting today," he stated.
In a possible response to recent remarks by Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem, Aoun emphasized that “there is no safer weapon against attacks than that of the national army, backed by a lawful state founded on justice and the public good.” He urged all citizens to rally behind the military to ensure national unity and security
