The Lebanese Army (LAF) announced on Friday that it is ramping up security operations and conducting targeted raids to apprehend individuals involved in gunfire incidents tied to the ongoing municipal elections.
In an official statement, the LAF confirmed the arrest of 86 individuals and the seizure of weapons and ammunition found in their possession.
Lebanon’s parliament passed a legal amendment on Thursday designed to deter celebratory gunfire by increasing the penalties for shooting into the air.
Under the revised law, harsher consequences now await individuals engaging in such acts, which have caused multiple injuries and deaths in recent years.
The move by the armed forces follows incidents where citizens opened fire during last Sunday’s municipal elections in North Lebanon and Akkar. Several homes were raided and weapons and ammunition seized.
“The Army Command will continue to pursue and arrest all those involved, wherever they may be on Lebanese territory,” the statement said, warning that anyone firing weapons and threatening public safety will face legal consequences.
To help preserve order, the LAF reminded the public of the Ministry of Defense’s decision to suspend all firearm licenses in Beirut, Beqaa and Baalbeck-Hermel. The suspension is effective from May 17 to May 20, aligning with the third phase of municipal voting.
According to the statement, military units have already begun implementing heightened security protocols in these regions, including setting up temporary checkpoints and conducting regular patrols in coordination with other security agencies. These measures aim to safeguard the electoral process and prevent potential disruptions.
The Army Command concluded its statement by urging citizens to cooperate fully with security forces and to report any suspicious activities or attempts to disturb public order. Reports can be made to the nearest military center or by calling the LAF’s operations room at 117.
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