Libya, Sudan, Chad Agree to Secure Borders

Libyan Delegation discussing with Chadian delegation border security (Presidential Council)
Libyan Delegation discussing with Chadian delegation border security (Presidential Council)
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Libya, Sudan, Chad Agree to Secure Borders

Libyan Delegation discussing with Chadian delegation border security (Presidential Council)
Libyan Delegation discussing with Chadian delegation border security (Presidential Council)

Libya, Sudan, and Chad agreed to exert more efforts to secure their borders to prevent the spread of crimes and curb illegal immigration.

Deputy Head of the Libyan Presidential Council Mossa al-Koni announced after an African tour, which included Sudan and Chad, that he discussed with senior officials all issues relating to joint borders.

Koni noted that Chairman of Sudan's Sovereign Council Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, along with the ministers and officials, expressed their desire to resolve illegal immigration, border security, and fight armed groups that violate Sudanese and Libyan laws.

In a press conference held Thursday upon his arrival in Tripoli, he said that the countries agreed to draw a practical road map to curb security breaches and criminal actions.

Koni touched on his discussions with Commander of the Chadian Military Council Mohammed Idriss Deby, which addressed the infiltration of Chadian rebels into Libyan territory.

They agreed on the necessity of removing the Chadian armed factions from Libyan territory, reported Libyan News Agency (LANA).

Koni confirmed that he had discussed with the Chadian side returning the General Secretariat of Community of Sahel–the Saharan States to Tripoli.

Deby suggested reviving the quadripartite agreement by forming a joint military force on the border with Libya to prevent the incursion of rebel groups.

A quartet agreement, signed by Libya, Chad, Niger, and Sudan in May 2018, stipulates the deployment of forces to secure the joint border and combat cross-border crimes and illegal immigration.



Lebanese Health Minister to Asharq Al-Awsat: Hospital Capacity in Lebanon is Decreasing Daily

A Lebanese child injured in an Israeli airstrike lies in a hospital in Sidon, Lebanon (AFP)
A Lebanese child injured in an Israeli airstrike lies in a hospital in Sidon, Lebanon (AFP)
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Lebanese Health Minister to Asharq Al-Awsat: Hospital Capacity in Lebanon is Decreasing Daily

A Lebanese child injured in an Israeli airstrike lies in a hospital in Sidon, Lebanon (AFP)
A Lebanese child injured in an Israeli airstrike lies in a hospital in Sidon, Lebanon (AFP)

Lebanon’s Ministry of Health is focused on creating plans to delay hospitals from reaching full capacity, especially in heavily bombarded areas in the country’s south and Bekaa regions.

 

Following last week’s explosion of Hezbollah’s communications devices, which resulted in thousands of casualties, and a new wave of airstrikes that began Monday, Lebanon’s healthcare system is under severe strain.

 

This raises concerns about its ability to manage if the conflict continues and Israel persists with its extensive attacks, potentially resulting in even more casualties.

 

Capacity Under Strain

 

Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad told Asharq Al-Awsat that the ministry is implementing a plan to evacuate hospitals nearing full capacity.

 

“We send ambulances to move patients whenever we sense a hospital is close to its limit,” he said.

 

“However, this becomes difficult in critical situations, especially after several paramedics were attacked and three hospitals in the south were damaged.”

 

Abiad explained that the plan allows hospitals to function as one large unit, sharing responsibilities and resources.

 

It also includes expanding capacity by increasing the number of nurses, doctors, and specialists, as well as opening new wards with support from international organizations.

 

“The situation is difficult, and capacity is decreasing daily,” he added.

 

“We are concerned about the ongoing Israeli attacks and their potential impact,” Abiad noted.