Aoun visits South Litani Command, says Lebanese army stands firm in defending sovereignty and independence
11/21/2025 2:40:00 PM
On the eve of the 82nd anniversary of Lebanon's independence, President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, visited the South Litani Sector Command at the Benoît Barakat barracks in Tyre, where he was received by Lebanon’s Army Commander General Rudolph Haykal, South Litani Sector Commander Brigadier General Nicolas Tabet, and senior officers.
Following the ceremonial military honor guard salute and the national anthem, President Aoun and General Haykal proceeded to the Sector Commander's office, whereby they were briefed on the Secotr’s security situation.
Afterwards, President Aoun and the Army Commander proceeded to the operations room, where General Haykal delivered a speech welcoming the President on his inspection visit, which coincided with Lebanon’s Independence Day, saying "Your visit reaffirms your unwavering support for the Army and your commitment to visiting the South and checking on its people and the soldiers deployed there." adding, "Today, before Your Excellency, we reiterate our commitment to preserving Lebanon, its sovereignty and independence, and protecting its civil peace."
Colonel Rashad Bou Karam, head of operations in the South Litani sector, gave a detailed presentation, supported by maps and figures, on the current situation in the sector and the work being carried out by the army in accordance with the plan set by the command, particularly clearing ammunition, and seizing weapons and facilities, in implementation of the government’s decision to restrict weapons to the state.
The presentation also included information about what has been accomplished so far, the deployment of the army in the designated locations and centers, permanent and temporary checkpoints and newly established locations along the borders, as well as the patrols carried out by the army to maintain security and stability in the region.
President Aoun reviewed the maps and images showing the areas where Israeli forces had crossed the Blue Line while constructing a wall that exceeded the internationally recognized southern border.
Brigadier General Tabet presented a summary of the discussions that took place during the meeting of the "Mechanism" Committee, and he stressed Lebanon’s firm stance in defending the rights of the Lebanese state and its sovereignty over its territory.
Addressing the officers, President Aoun, congratulated them on the anniversary of Lebanon’s independence, noting that this year’s traditional celebrations will be absent due to the country’s current circumstances.
He said: “I came to the South today on Independence Day to affirm that this precious region is always in our hearts, and that the army, which protects the Southerners as well as all the Lebanese, stands steadfast in its positions and commitment to defending national dignity, sovereignty and independence, upholding these principles with every sacrifice, undeterred by the campaigns of defamation, skepticism or provocation.”
President Aoun commended the "distinguished role played by the army deployed in the south in general and in the South Litani sector in particular," paying tribute to the memory of the 12 martyred soldiers who fell since the implementation of the security plan began.
At the conclusion of the meeting, President Aoun congratulated Army Commander General Haykal on Independence Day, appreciating the efforts he and his team are currently making to enable the military institution to carry out its duties "with sincerity and dedication," hoping that “next year’s independence anniversary, the South would be fully liberated with the Lebanese flag flying alone on its borders as a symbol of sovereignty and national dignity."
Following the ceremonial military honor guard salute and the national anthem, President Aoun and General Haykal proceeded to the Sector Commander's office, whereby they were briefed on the Secotr’s security situation.
Afterwards, President Aoun and the Army Commander proceeded to the operations room, where General Haykal delivered a speech welcoming the President on his inspection visit, which coincided with Lebanon’s Independence Day, saying "Your visit reaffirms your unwavering support for the Army and your commitment to visiting the South and checking on its people and the soldiers deployed there." adding, "Today, before Your Excellency, we reiterate our commitment to preserving Lebanon, its sovereignty and independence, and protecting its civil peace."
Colonel Rashad Bou Karam, head of operations in the South Litani sector, gave a detailed presentation, supported by maps and figures, on the current situation in the sector and the work being carried out by the army in accordance with the plan set by the command, particularly clearing ammunition, and seizing weapons and facilities, in implementation of the government’s decision to restrict weapons to the state.
The presentation also included information about what has been accomplished so far, the deployment of the army in the designated locations and centers, permanent and temporary checkpoints and newly established locations along the borders, as well as the patrols carried out by the army to maintain security and stability in the region.
President Aoun reviewed the maps and images showing the areas where Israeli forces had crossed the Blue Line while constructing a wall that exceeded the internationally recognized southern border.
Brigadier General Tabet presented a summary of the discussions that took place during the meeting of the "Mechanism" Committee, and he stressed Lebanon’s firm stance in defending the rights of the Lebanese state and its sovereignty over its territory.
Addressing the officers, President Aoun, congratulated them on the anniversary of Lebanon’s independence, noting that this year’s traditional celebrations will be absent due to the country’s current circumstances.
He said: “I came to the South today on Independence Day to affirm that this precious region is always in our hearts, and that the army, which protects the Southerners as well as all the Lebanese, stands steadfast in its positions and commitment to defending national dignity, sovereignty and independence, upholding these principles with every sacrifice, undeterred by the campaigns of defamation, skepticism or provocation.”
President Aoun commended the "distinguished role played by the army deployed in the south in general and in the South Litani sector in particular," paying tribute to the memory of the 12 martyred soldiers who fell since the implementation of the security plan began.
At the conclusion of the meeting, President Aoun congratulated Army Commander General Haykal on Independence Day, appreciating the efforts he and his team are currently making to enable the military institution to carry out its duties "with sincerity and dedication," hoping that “next year’s independence anniversary, the South would be fully liberated with the Lebanese flag flying alone on its borders as a symbol of sovereignty and national dignity."