The representative of the Army Commander, Brigadier General Abu Haidar, confirmed that "Opportunity" is a hopeful initiative in light of the challenges, crises, and difficulties we face. It provides a space for the Lebanese people to unite in combating a scourge that targets everyone without exception, from all sects and regions.
During the inauguration of the internal rehabilitation center for drug addicts at the Al-Fayha complex in Abi Samra, under the patronage of Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, he stated, "We gather today, each from our position of responsibility, to inaugurate the internal rehabilitation center for drug addicts in Tripoli, which is dear to us all. This center, although established here in the capital of the North, will open its doors to anyone who seeks assistance from any Lebanese region because its goal is to combat this plague that ravages our society and destroys our youth, helping them overcome it and granting them a new opportunity to rebuild their lives and aspire for a better future."
He added, "The Army has many tasks aimed at defending the nation and preserving its security, stability, and civil peace across its territory. Despite the numerous challenges it faces, social development remains a top priority. It falls within its three main tasks as per the National Defense Law: defensive, security, and developmental."
He continued, "Based on that, and within our capacities and abilities, we strive to carry out some developmental projects that contribute to improving the social conditions of our fellow citizens, including those of Tripoli, whether through the Directorate of Military-Civil Cooperation or through the military units deployed here or via the intelligence department through the northern intelligence branch."
He added, "We wanted to be partners in this project that we inaugurate today alongside the 'Um Al-Noor' group and the 'Al-Manhaj Charity' organization, which presented a civilized and national model in the endeavor to save our youth from the scourge of drugs, treat them, and give them a new lease on life, as our country needs all of them."
He said, "You know that the Army combats the drug scourge with all its might and fights its dealers and traffickers as if they were enemies. You also know that we have lost martyrs and sustained injuries during the pursuit of these criminals, but we will not rest and we will not be lenient with them. At the same time, we stand today alongside those who are victims of addiction and urge them to trust us because our goal is to help them, not to prosecute them. However, we also call on the judiciary to be strict in prosecuting these drug dealers and traffickers."
He urged everyone to bear their responsibilities and to participate in their respective capacities in limiting the spread of this ailment and contributing to awareness and supporting any activity or project that falls within this framework.
He concluded, "We are all responsible—military personnel, security forces, religious leaders, media, municipalities, and community figures—so let us combine our efforts to confront this growing danger that is eroding our finest youth and exploiting our children."
The "Manhaj" and "Um Al-Noor" organizations celebrated the opening of the center in the presence of a large gathering of political, spiritual, administrative, and social figures.
