A ceremony was held today, Friday, in Ras Baalbek to announce that the outskirts of Arsal and Ras Baalbek are free from war remnants, under the patronage of Army Commander General Joseph Aoun. In his speech, General Aoun stated that "the commitment of the army towards the citizens in Arsal, Ras Baalbek, and Al-Qaa is manifested in delivering their lands free of war remnants after liberating them from terrorist organizations during the Dawn of the Outskirts battle," confirming "the military institution's continued efforts to clean the remaining Lebanese lands."
He added, "The support of friendly nations and non-governmental organizations with varying resources has significantly aided us in accomplishing this mission. Thanks to this support, the army began the process of liberating the outskirts of Arsal, Ras Baalbek, and Al-Qaa from unexploded ordnance immediately after recovering them from the hands of terrorism, which facilitated the establishment of military bases along the borders, connecting these bases with a vast network of roads made available for the residents of the area to access their lands safely and easily. Here, I renew my gratitude to the friendly nations, especially the United States through Program 1226."
General Aoun continued, "Our deployment along the borders involves many challenges, whether due to the geographical nature of the area or manpower shortages, but our soldiers are making every effort to protect it and prevent smuggling and illegal migration. They face various rumors and accusations of negligence while daily realities prove the tremendous efforts exerted by the units deployed on the ground. Therefore, I invite any skeptic to visit the borders and see for themselves the situation that portends worsening conditions soon. Enough with the theorizing and unfounded accusations; let them stand behind the army, as it has been the bulwark for Lebanon and will remain so, and will not stray from its oath and duties."
The Director of MAG programs emphasized "the continued cooperation with the Lebanese army to eliminate the dangers of war remnants from various Lebanese territories," praising the commitment, bravery, dedication, and professionalism of army personnel. Additionally, Bekaa Governor Bashir Khodor highlighted "the importance of this achievement that was realized thanks to the efforts of the Lebanese army, mine clearance organizations, and the support of donor countries," expressing gratitude on behalf of the people of Baalbek-Hermel Province to all who contributed to the project.
Under the patronage of Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, the ceremony was held in Ras Baalbek to announce that the outskirts of Arsal and Ras Baalbek are free from war remnants.
On another note, ambassadors Shea, Masayuki, and Van Der Woude stressed "the continued support of their countries for Lebanon during this difficult phase and their backing for the Lebanese army, especially in the area of liberating contaminated lands from mines and assisting landmine victims in recovering from their injuries," praising the military institution's sacrifices to protect Lebanese lives from the dangers of landmines and to allow them to utilize their lands.
Brigadier-General Bashalani noted the ongoing work done by the Lebanese Mine Action Center to clear contaminated lands from war remnants, expressing gratitude to the donor countries and partners of the center in related programs.
The ceremony was attended by US Ambassador Dorothy Shea, Japanese Ambassador Magoshi Masayuki, Dutch Ambassador Hans Peter Van Der Woude, South Korean Ambassador Park IL, Bekaa Governor Bashir Khodor, MAG program director Greg Crowther, Lebanese Mine Action Center Director Brigadier General Jihad Bashalani, as well as representatives from donor countries, international and national organizations working in demining, and various local officials and military attaches.
