Attempt to Run Over Army Personnel in the Arsal Barrens During an Operation to Smuggle Individuals into Lebanese Territory

The Lebanese Army Command – Directorate of Orientation issued the following statement:

On November 4, 2026, while an Army unit was carrying out security measures to prevent smuggling and secure the border in the Arsal Barrens area, along the Lebanese-Syrian border, a vehicle with tinted windows and no license plates bypassed Army personnel stationed at an observation post. The vehicle was travelling from Syrian territory into Lebanon through illegal crossing points.

The driver attempted to run over the personnel at the observation post, posing an imminent threat to their safety. As a result, they were forced to fire warning shots to compel the vehicle to stop. The driver then stopped the vehicle and fled to an unknown destination.

Upon inspecting the vehicle, it was found to be carrying 12 Syrian nationals who were being smuggled into Lebanese territory. One of the passengers, a woman, sustained a gunshot wound, while three other individuals were injured by flying glass fragments. They were transported to a hospital for treatment; however, the woman subsequently succumbed to her injuries.

An investigation was initiated under the supervision of the competent judicial authorities to establish the circumstances of the incident. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing driver.