Lebanon’s Interior Minister: Security Will Remain Maintained after Oct. 31

Lebanon’s Caretaker Minister of Interior Bassam al-Mawlawi with Grand Mufti of the Republic, Abdul Latif Derian (NNA)
Lebanon’s Caretaker Minister of Interior Bassam al-Mawlawi with Grand Mufti of the Republic, Abdul Latif Derian (NNA)
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Lebanon’s Interior Minister: Security Will Remain Maintained after Oct. 31

Lebanon’s Caretaker Minister of Interior Bassam al-Mawlawi with Grand Mufti of the Republic, Abdul Latif Derian (NNA)
Lebanon’s Caretaker Minister of Interior Bassam al-Mawlawi with Grand Mufti of the Republic, Abdul Latif Derian (NNA)

Lebanon’s Caretaker Minister of Interior, Bassam al-Mawlawi, affirmed on Friday that security is maintained in Lebanon and will remain preserved even after Oct. 31, when the term of President Michel Aoun ends.

Mawlawi also stressed that Lebanon constantly coordinates efforts with Arab countries to combat drug trafficking.

Mawlawi’s comments came during his meeting with Grand Sunni Mufti of the Republic, Abdul Latif Derian, congratulating him on the anniversary of the Prophet’s birthday.

“His Eminence has stressed that Lebanon should remain stable, both on the security and political levels, to reach economic and financial stability,” Mawlawi said, vowing keenness to maintain security.

The minister admitted that the situation in the crisis-hit country is complex, but praised the “unifying positions of the Grand Mufti”, which he said bring all the Lebanese together under coexistence and national interest.

Asked about the presidential elections and maintaining security during that delicate stage, the minister explained that electing a president must take place within the constitutional timeframe and that the matter is up to the members of the parliament.

Mawlawi stressed that security is under control and will remain so, especially after Oct. 31, vowing to work around the clock to ensure stability in the country.

In response to a question about the coordination with Arab countries, especially after the arrest of drug smugglers, he said there is permanent coordination with Arab countries, and that work is underway to control drug trafficking.

He stressed that Lebanon should not be a source of harm to the Arab countries.



Iran Strengthens its Militias in Syria

 A man rides a motorbike past damaged buildings in Homs, Syria November 7, 2024. (Reuters)
A man rides a motorbike past damaged buildings in Homs, Syria November 7, 2024. (Reuters)
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Iran Strengthens its Militias in Syria

 A man rides a motorbike past damaged buildings in Homs, Syria November 7, 2024. (Reuters)
A man rides a motorbike past damaged buildings in Homs, Syria November 7, 2024. (Reuters)

Iran has increased its diplomatic and military efforts in Syria in response to Israeli escalation and threats to cut off the Tehran-Damascus corridor.

This includes strengthening Iranian-backed militias, which have stepped up attacks on US-led coalition bases and the US-supported Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

These groups are also fighting ISIS in the Syrian desert.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Tuesday that Iran-backed groups launched 89 attacks on US bases in Syria in 2024, using drones and rockets from both Syria and Iraq.

In turn, US forces have upgraded their base defenses, including air defense systems, to intercept drones before they reach their targets.

At the same time, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is expanding its training camps for militias, especially the Iraqi Harakat al-Nujaba, in Syria’s southeastern Homs desert.

Reinforcements from the Zainabiyoun and Fatemiyoun brigades, totaling about 225 fighters, recently arrived in the eastern Deir Ezzor province through the al-Hari border crossing. The fighters are stationed in Al-Boukamal and Mayadeen under IRGC command.

Local sources said Iran is working to strengthen its military presence in the region.

On Monday evening, ISIS launched an attack on Iranian-backed militias in the desert near Tadmur, east of Homs.

Syria's Al-Watan newspaper reported that on Monday, government forces and allied troops fought fierce battles with ISIS cells in the eastern Homs desert.

A military source said the clashes killed several ISIS fighters and destroyed their vehicles, which were armed with heavy machine guns.

The militants had attempted to cross from areas controlled by US forces in the 55-kilometer zone to target military positions near the town of al-Taybah in eastern Homs.