The Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun, attended a live crisis management simulation in Jounieh aimed at enhancing preparedness and coordination among key responders. This event was organized by Al-Hikma University - Faculty of Political Science and International Relations, simulating a gas tank explosion resulting in damages and casualties. The exercise focused on disaster and crisis management, rapid response through rescuing the injured, extinguishing fires, and providing field first aid, utilizing aerial reconnaissance to assess damage, identify critical areas, collect samples, and analyze evidence.
Participants in the exercise included the airborne regiment, military police, and Lebanese Air Force, alongside the Lebanese Red Cross, Civil Defense, the Keserwan-Ftouh Municipal Union, and Jounieh Municipality. The event was attended by various notable figures, including Maronite Archdiocese of Beirut Shepherd Bishop Paul Abdel-Sater, the Director-General of Civil Defense Brigadier Raymond Khattar representing Minister of Interior and Municipalities Bassam Mawlawi, Deputy Shoukri Dakkash, former Minister Demianos Kattar, Chairman of the Keserwan-Ftouh Municipal Union and Mayor of Jounieh Joan Habiche, Administrator of Keserwan Sitrideh Naba’a, President of the Lebanese Red Cross Dr. Antoine Zoghbi, President of Al-Hikma University Professor George Naim, and Dean of the Faculty of Political Science and International Relations Professor Antonios Abu Kasm, along with diplomatic figures and several military attachés.
Professor Abu Kasm emphasized that the exercise is based on collaboration for a secure society that respects citizens’ rights and safety, aiming to foster the spirit of volunteerism among youth to engage with military, security, and humanitarian institutions, thanking the army for its role in protecting the homeland. Additionally, the Mayor of Jounieh noted that the exercise significantly contributes to strengthening prior coordination among relevant agencies in case of emergencies. The exercise concluded with a display from the airborne regiment and the air force.
