Amid the ongoing crisis in Lebanon, a series of fabricated evacuation calls have been circulating, urging citizens to flee various areas and buildings. These false alarms are causing widespread panic and fear across the country.
This morning, residents of Maghdouche received calls instructing them to evacuate the town and its schools, even naming specific buildings supposedly targeted for bombing. Similar calls were also reported in Tyre, Ghaziyeh, Saida, Barja, Anqoun, and Tarik Jdideh in Beirut. However, security agencies later confirmed that these calls were fabricated and entirely baseless.
Despite the false nature of these calls, Tyre was heavily bombed, which highlights the seriousness of these tactics. In response, citizens are encouraged to contact the Internal Security Forces (ISF) at 112 if they receive similar calls. The ISF, in a statement to our sister outlet “Houna Loubnan,” confirmed the calls were fake and assured the public of their readiness to address any rumors. They also advised citizens to verify whether the caller is speaking live or using a recorded message.
The ISF reiterated that they are available 24/7 to provide assistance and have ramped up efforts to locate and arrest those responsible for spreading these false reports.
From a legal perspective, sources explain that spreading false information is punishable under Lebanese law. According to Article 317 of the Lebanese Penal Code, those found guilty of inciting panic or sectarian conflict can face one to three years in prison. Meanwhile, Article 309 imposes penalties ranging from six months to three years in prison, along with fines, for those who distribute fake news.
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