Tag Archives: Joseph Aoun

Saudi Arabia Backs Lebanonโ€™s Push to Control All Weapons

During a high-level summit in Riyadh attended by Gulf leaders and U.S. President Donald Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman publicly affirmed the kingdom’s support for the Lebanese government’s efforts to restore institutional authority and consolidate control over armed forces under state command. The statement marked a clear endorsement of Lebanonโ€™s attempts to reinforce sovereignty and internal security amid …

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Clashes Disrupt Municipal Elections in North Lebanon

Polling began on Sunday in the northern regions of Lebanon for municipal and mayoral elections, marking a significant democratic event in the countryโ€™s recovery following more than a year of war with Israel. These local elections are the first nationwide vote since the formation of a new government and have seen increased security incidents compared to previous rounds. By mid-morning, …

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Power Grabs in Lebanon and Syria Spark Crackdowns on Palestinian Factions

Authorities in Syria and Lebanon are intensifying efforts to dismantle the longstanding armed presence of Palestinian factions within their territories. This strategic shift reflects broader regional realignments, including the decline of Iranian influence and the weakening of Hezbollah’s military capabilities. Following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s new leadership under President Ahmad al-Sharaa has initiated a campaign to centralize …

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Franjieh Says Hezbollah Remains and Disarmament Requires Dialogue

In a recent televised interview, Suleiman Frangieh, leader of Lebanon’s Marada Movement, addressed the current state of the Axis of Resistance, acknowledging its weakened position while asserting that it has not been entirely dismantled. He emphasized the importance of Lebanon’s unity and Arab identity, rejecting any notion of internal division. Frangieh highlighted the potential dangers of internal conflict, cautioning against …

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Aoun Monitors South as Salam Calls for End to Israeli Strikes

On Thursday, Israel executed a series of airstrikes in southern Lebanon’s Nabatieh region, marking one of its most extensive military operations since the U.S.-brokered ceasefire in November 2024. According to Lebanese security sources, a total of 14 strikes were carried out, targeting areas purportedly associated with Hezbollah activities. The Israeli military stated that the operation aimed at a strategic underground …

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Aoun mourns loss of Lebanonโ€™s ‘dear friend’ Pope Francis

President Joseph Aoun expressed deep sorrow on Monday following the death of Pope Francis, describing him as both a cherished ally and an unwavering advocate for Lebanon during its ongoing crisis. In a statement shared via the presidency’s official X account, Aoun reflected on the Popeโ€™s enduring support for Lebanonโ€™s identity and diversity. Highlighting the pontiffโ€™s consistent efforts to urge …

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Qatar renews $60 million grant for Lebanese army salaries

Qatar has pledged a significant new package of assistance to Lebanon, committing to send 162 military vehicles and an additional $60 million to support the salaries of Lebanese army officers. This move comes as Lebanon begins to recover from the devastating war between Hezbollah and Israel that ended with a ceasefire in November. The latest round of aid was announced …

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Hezbollah official says ‘severing hands’ warning aimed at Israelis, takfiris, and local rivals

Hezbollah political bureau member Mahmoud Qmati reaffirmed the groupโ€™s alignment with President Joseph Aounโ€™s positions, stating that their coordination remains intact. He addressed his earlier comments about โ€œsevering the hand that reaches for the resistanceโ€™s arms,โ€ clarifying that this response was aimed at political rhetoric from rival Lebanese factions, which he described as provocative. Qmati emphasized that some internal forces …

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