Mashnouq Says Operation in Bekaa Valley Ongoing, Considers Security Situation 'Good'

Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq stressed on Saturday that the security plan in the Bekaa Valley is ongoing, describing the security situation as “good.”

Mashnouq said in comments published in As Safir newspaper that efforts will focus on the intelligence in order to detain the dangerous outlaws and kingpins controlling several gangs.

The much-anticipated security plan for the Bekaa Valley kicked off earlier in February, resulting in the arrest of several fugitives and the confiscation of stolen items.

The plan seeks to clamp down on criminals in the Bekaa where certain areas, such as the town of Brital, are known to be a safe haven for car-theft gangs and drug dealers, as well as networks that kidnap people in return for ransom.

The army had launched a crackdown on suspects and fugitives in the northern city of Tripoli and several other areas in an attempt to halt security chaos across the country.

“The security situation is good,” Mashnouq stressed, hailing the army's unique operation on the outskirts of the northeaster border town of Ras Baalbek.

“Without the courage of Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji the accomplishment wouldn't have happened,” he added.

Mashnouq highlighted the importance of “taking the right decision at the right time.”

On Thursday, the army kicked off an operation on the outskirts of Ras Baalbek to secure villages near the eastern border with neighboring Syria.

Three soldiers were wounded in operation, during which militant positions were shelled with artillery and heavy weaponry.

The army frequently clashed with the militants in their hideouts near the Syrian border.

H.K.

D.A.