Caretaker Minister of Interior Bassam Mawlawi sought to reassure the public, asserting that security and military forces are fully mobilized in Beirut to maintain control in light of the recent wave of displaced individuals arriving in the capital.
“The Internal Security Forces (ISF) are deployed throughout Beirut, bolstered by additional officers, intelligence units and special forces,” Mawlawi stated during a press conference at the Ministry of Interior on Thursday, following a meeting of the Central Security Council.
Mawlawi also announced plans “to submit a formal request to the government for the establishment of more shelters in Beirut to accommodate displaced individuals currently occupying public spaces.”
Addressing Wednesday’s incident between security forces, citizens and displaced individuals on Beirut’s waterfront, Mawlawi explained that the measures were aimed at curbing violations, including illegal constructions and makeshift businesses.
“These actions encroach on public property, and our objective is to safeguard all of Lebanon, as Beirut belongs to all Lebanese,” he said.
Mawlawi announced that Public Prosecutor Judge Jamal Hajjar has issued an order prohibiting any violations of private property, an instruction the ISF are actively enforcing.
He also stated that he had held a meeting on Thursday morning with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to discuss the situation of Syrian migrants, particularly those residing in shelters intended for Lebanese citizens. According to Mawlawi, the discussion focused on “ways to address this situation in accordance with Lebanese laws and with respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty.”
He highlighted that “311,034 Syrians have returned to their country through legal border crossings in the past two weeks,” stressing that “this indicates there are no security obstacles preventing their return to Syria.”
Regarding reports of personal weapons seized by the ISF in the Hamra district, Mawlawi clarified that the incident was triggered by an issue related to electricity supply. “The ISF apprehended those responsible for the altercation and confiscated any items obstructing law enforcement,” he went on to say.
In this context, Mawlawi affirmed that the security forces are proactively implementing the necessary measures to address such issues as they arise. “Most of the information circulating about the presence of weapons in the shelters is unfounded,” he added.
Furthermore, he emphasized the vital importance of maintaining national unity, which he considers essential for ensuring security.
He urged both citizens and media outlets to foster “social communication that promotes cohesion and solidarity rather than divisions.”
“Security is a collective responsibility and discord has no place among the Lebanese people,” he concluded.
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