President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, discussed the country’s security situation with Minister of National Defense, Major General Michel Menassa, with particular focus on the south in light of the tasks carried out by the Lebanese Army south of the Litani River. 

Talks also addressed the success of security measures implemented by the army and other security agencies on New Year’s Eve, as well as additional missions undertaken in recent days to combat smuggling, drug trafficking, and threats to public security.

Separately, President Aoun received former minister Elie Salem, with whom he held a broad discussion on current affairs.

The president also met with Sharia judge Sheikh Abbas Sharif and Mukhtar Hamza Khalil Sharif, brother of martyred officer Hassan Sharif, during which they discussed conditions in the Bekaa region.