Killing of Senior Lebanese Forces Official in S.Lebanon Deepens Political, Sectarian Tensions

Elias Hasrouni.
Elias Hasrouni.
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Killing of Senior Lebanese Forces Official in S.Lebanon Deepens Political, Sectarian Tensions

Elias Hasrouni.
Elias Hasrouni.

The killing of a senior member of the Lebanese Forces in southern Lebanon is threatening to deepen political and sectarian tensions in the country.

Elias Hasrouni, 72, was a member of the LF central council and former coordinator of the party in the Bint Jbeil region in the South. He was a resident of the Ain Ebel town near the border with Israel.

He had left his house in his car days ago and reported dead soon after, allegedly in an accident. However, videos taken from local surveillance cameras and posted on social media showed that his vehicle was intercepted by two others and led to another area. He was found dead soon after.

Ain Ebel is one of four Christian villages in the Bint Jbeil province. It is surrounded by predominantly Shiite villages in a region where Hezbollah wields wide influence.

Sources from Ain Ebel told Asharq Al-Awsat that no signs of violence or blood were found on Hasrouni’s body, which had led to the dismissal of claims of foul play. However, suspicions first arose when he left his house at night without informing his family.

The man was well-loved in his town, they added.

The videos showed that Hasrouni was lured to an area where he was killed, they said.

An autopsy revealed that Hasrouni was strangled and dealt a blow to the head and chest with a gun. His ribs were broken and one of his lungs was pierced, which ultimately led to his death.

His family has since resorted to the judiciary to find the criminals.

The death is threatening the delicate political and sectarian balance in Bint Jbeil, while anger has simmered in the victim’s hometown.

Hasrouni’s brother told Al-Jadeed television that the family will put its faith in the judiciary to uncover the truth.

“We will not accuse anyone. We live in this area in harmony with all sects and parties,” he added. He stressed that his brother was loved by everyone, regardless of their sects, casting doubt that his murder was politically motivated.

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea called for uncovering the perpetrators “as soon as possible” given the tensions in Ain Ebel and the surrounding areas.



Yemen Cabinet Holds Urgent Meeting to Discuss Economic Rescue Plan

Yemeni Cabinet meeting in Aden, Yemen (Saba News Agency)
Yemeni Cabinet meeting in Aden, Yemen (Saba News Agency)
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Yemen Cabinet Holds Urgent Meeting to Discuss Economic Rescue Plan

Yemeni Cabinet meeting in Aden, Yemen (Saba News Agency)
Yemeni Cabinet meeting in Aden, Yemen (Saba News Agency)

The Yemeni government met in the interim capital, Aden, on Thursday, with Prime Minister Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak presiding to review an economic rescue plan focused on government reforms, ending the Houthi coup, and restoring state control.
Yemen’s economy faces a deep crisis, with falling revenues and a halt in oil exports after Houthi attacks on export ports and stalled peace efforts amid increased Houthi activity regionally and at sea.
In Thursday’s meeting, Yemen’s Cabinet discussed urgent economic issues, including currency instability and electricity shortages, and reviewed a draft economic rescue plan aligned with government reforms.
The government aims to finalize the plan, which focuses on restoring state control, ending the Houthi coup, achieving peace, fighting corruption, and improving transparency. The plan also seeks to boost the economy and make better use of foreign aid.
A ministerial committee, led by the finance minister and including other key officials, was formed to refine the plan. The committee will review suggestions and present a revised version in two weeks for further discussion.
State media reported that the Cabinet instructed the ministerial committee to align the rescue plan with the government's reform agenda and economic recovery strategy. The committee will set priorities, review progress, and develop a unified economic document to guide urgent government actions.
Yemen’s Cabinet emphasized the need to realistically assess challenges and tackle them through joint efforts with the Presidential Leadership Council.
The discussion focused on ensuring the rescue plan addresses the economic crisis’s root causes—worsened by Houthi attacks on oil facilities and shipping routes—and on defining the support needed from international donors.
The meeting also reviewed implemented and ongoing policies, noting obstacles and suggesting solutions to overcome them.
Moreover, Yemen’s Cabinet reviewed reports on fuel shortages affecting Aden’s power stations and discussed urgent steps to stabilize electricity and ensure water supplies.
State media said officials stressed the need for emergency fuel and additional supplies to keep services stable.