Lebanon’s Crisis Imposes New Tasks on Security Forces

Shoppers walk past an empty shelf at a supermarket in Beirut. (Reuters)
Shoppers walk past an empty shelf at a supermarket in Beirut. (Reuters)
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Lebanon’s Crisis Imposes New Tasks on Security Forces

Shoppers walk past an empty shelf at a supermarket in Beirut. (Reuters)
Shoppers walk past an empty shelf at a supermarket in Beirut. (Reuters)

Lebanon’s severe economic crisis has imposed an unusual security reality, as security officers are now seen organizing the purchase of foodstuffs, and others standing at the doors of supermarkets where many disputes have erupted during the past weeks over the priority to buy subsidized products.

A video widely circulated on social media on Thursday showed a man screaming in a supermarket in the coastal city of Amshit in Mount Lebanon, in protest against allowing Syrians to receive subsidized food products. The man shouted that those, who do not have the Lebanese nationality, should be prevented from entering the supermarket. His remarks led to a dispute between Lebanese and Syrian refugees in the town.

Another video leaked last week showed security officers in a food store, asking people to present their ID cards in order to buy subsidized rice.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, MP Wehbi Qatisha said that the scene was “certainly a negative indicator of the current situation in Lebanon, due to poor management of crises, especially economic ones.”

“Instead of confronting major security risks, security officers are now dealing with disputes among citizens over oil or milk,” he said.

Other missions were granted to the security bodies in light of the deteriorating economic and social crisis.

The Directorate General of State Security was tasked with supervising the distribution of diesel fuel to stations in order to prevent monopoly or smuggling, while the Lebanese army was assigned the task of distributing financial aid, which the government granted to poor families, in addition to dispensing compensation to those affected by the Beirut port explosion.

According to a security source, such intervention is needed because the army and security bodies have the responsibility to safeguard civil peace and stability.



Yemeni Prime Minister: Houthi Economic War Hits Harder Than Military Conflict

Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak called the new political alliance “a fresh voice and a renewed vision,” supporting national efforts to unite and free Yemen from Houthi control (Saba News Agency)
Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak called the new political alliance “a fresh voice and a renewed vision,” supporting national efforts to unite and free Yemen from Houthi control (Saba News Agency)
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Yemeni Prime Minister: Houthi Economic War Hits Harder Than Military Conflict

Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak called the new political alliance “a fresh voice and a renewed vision,” supporting national efforts to unite and free Yemen from Houthi control (Saba News Agency)
Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak called the new political alliance “a fresh voice and a renewed vision,” supporting national efforts to unite and free Yemen from Houthi control (Saba News Agency)

Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak said his government is eager to engage with a new political alliance of Yemeni forces launched in Aden.

He noted that the Houthis’ economic war is now hitting the Yemeni people’s daily lives harder than the military conflict.

On Tuesday, Yemeni parties and factions formed a coalition in Aden aimed at restoring the state, ending the Houthi takeover, and preserving the republic under a federal system.

Mubarak called the new political alliance “a fresh voice and a renewed vision,” supporting national efforts to unite and free Yemen from Houthi control.

He said his government is “fully open” to working with the coalition to restore the state, defeat the Houthi takeover, and achieve peace.

Mubarak stressed the need for unity under a national vision focused on stability, sovereignty, and building a strong, unified Yemen.

“We know the challenges ahead, but with our belief in our cause and the will of our people, we can make a difference,” he said.

The premier said the Houthi economic war has caused more damage than the military conflict, harming citizens’ lives, draining resources, and leading to higher poverty and unemployment rates, as well as a collapse in basic services.

He stressed the need for unity and support for state institutions to tackle the economic crisis, protect the national economy, and ease the burdens on citizens.

Mubarak said the Houthi militia’s ongoing economic war and attacks on oil facilities have severely hurt Yemen's economy. This has led to a sharp decline in the value of the rial, rising prices for basic goods, and worsened the humanitarian crisis affecting millions.

Mubarak stressed that the right to export oil and strengthen the national treasury is vital for the people, and the government is determined to stop the Houthis from blocking this crucial resource.

He also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to fighting corruption, improving transparency, and strengthening accountability in state institutions.

Steps will be taken to improve oversight and accountability, reiterated the prime minister.