Lebanon interior minister credits vigilance at Dahr al-Baydar checkpoint for foiling explosives plot

Lebanon’s caretaker Minister of Interior and Municipalities, Ahmad al-Hajjar, on Tuesday praised the Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces (ISF), highlighting what he described as the vigilance, professionalism and dedication of officers and members at the Dahr al-Baydar checkpoint. Their alertness, he said, enabled them to intercept a vehicle carrying explosive materials and arrest two individuals aboard.

Minister Hails Vigilance at Checkpoint

Chairing a meeting of the Central Internal Security Council, Hajjar said the operation underscored the pivotal role played by the Internal Security Forces in detecting security risks and confronting them before they could turn into an actual threat to security and stability. He stressed that the vigilance of ISF officers and members, together with their field readiness, embodied the importance of proactive security in thwarting dangers.

“Despite the challenges, we — as security agencies, army, and judiciary — will not rest until a high level of security is secured,” Hajjar stated.

Details of the Interception

The minister noted that members at the Dahr al-Baydar checkpoint had grown suspicious last Monday of a gray Dodge Caravan due to its heavy load, which prompted a search. As a result of the search, a quantity of explosive materials was found inside, leading to the arrest of the driver and the accompanying passenger. Both were referred, along with the seized items, to the Military Police based on instructions from the competent judiciary.

Hajjar emphasised that the significance of what was uncovered was no less important than completing the investigations to reveal the full circumstances of the case. He noted that Army Intelligence and the ISF Intelligence Branch would expand the investigation, upon the request of the Public Prosecution, in order to uncover all details and hold accountable anyone proven to be involved, according to the law.

Wider Security Measures Discussed

The minister reiterated the state’s confidence in the professionalism of the officers and members of all security and military agencies and in their capabilities to deliver top performance, noting that their role was essential in protecting the security of the Lebanese people and establishing stability. In this context, he requested that security agencies tighten measures at checkpoints, raise the level of inspection, reinforce patrols and security presence, and ensure deployment in a way that enhances the ability to fortify internal security.

Additionally, the attendees discussed the general security situation in the country and ways to enhance preventive measures to combat various types of crime — particularly drug smuggling, dealing and use, in addition to theft.