Berri Hails Army over 'Huge Achievements'

Speaker Nabih Berri has lauded the Lebanese army for confronting jihadists on the eastern border with Syria and arresting several terrorist networks.

In remarks to his visitors, Berri described the army's role as “a huge achievement that deserves appreciation and support.”

He also said the military is contributing to stability in the country and expressed satisfaction with the security situation despite all the challenges.

Berri's remarks were published in Ad-Diyar newspaper on Monday.

The army is engaged in a battle with terrorists since August last year when they overran the northeastern border town of Arsal and took Lebanese servicemen captive.

Since then, troops have stopped several infiltration attempts by fighters from the al-Qaida-linked al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State group.

Late last month, soldiers drove jihadists from two strategic hilltop positions near Ras Baalbek along the northeastern border in a preemptive operation.

The army has also thwarted several terrorist networks, by arresting their members and referring them to the military court for plotting attacks or fighting troops.

Berri urged spiritual leaders in Egypt and Iraq to put comprehensive plans on confronting terrorists rather than issuing statements.

He called for a review of educational programs in Arab countries to confront takfiri thoughts and finding job opportunities for youth to stop them from joining extremists.

G.K.

H.K.