Minister of National Defense and LAF Commander visited the Fourth Land Border Control Regiment

Minister of National Defense Elias Bou Saab and LAF Commander General Joseph Aoun visited an outpost of the Fourth Land Border Control Regiment at the eastern border and inspected the missions conducted by the Regiment in light of the hard geographic and climate conditions.

Minister Bou Saab held a press conference afterwards where he considered that the LAF is deployed throughout the Lebanese border for the first time in decades. He confirmed that the Lebanese troops are controlling and defending the border against any infiltration attempts that terrorist organizations might resort to while defying hard climate conditions to defend the security of Lebanese citizens. He noted that every LAF troop who took the vow of loyalty and defending the country is a potential martyr and added that the LAF is not asking for favors from anyone and its only interest is gaining the affection of the people.

Minister Bou Saab praised the exceptional efforts that the Military Institution has invested during the holidays and enabled the people to celebrate in peace.

In terms of the budget cuts, Minister Bou Saab rejected any measures that might endanger the rights of the troops and considered that the presence of the troops is a guarantee for security noting that security is one of the main pillars of the economy. He called the parties to reach a consensus in order to endorse a responsible budget and put an end to corruption and squandering. Minister Bou Saab also stressed that the Ministry of Defense and the LAF Command are up to the responsibilities they are given.

While addressing the rights of retired soldiers, he noted that the President of the Republic is the first retiree and he will be safeguarding the rights of the retirees especially since he believes in their righteous demands and appreciates their sacrifices and the sacrifices of their fellow comrades particularly the wounded soldiers and martyrs. He added in this concern that the total sum of pension cuts amounts to around 7 billion Lebanese pounds every month.

Bou Saab also confirmed that the Army is also fighting smuggling in the areas of deployment and commended the efforts that are being invested in order to close all illegal crossing points and fighting human smuggling by doubling patrols, ambushes in addition to the daily surveillance effort through the surveillance towers and permanent posts.