Security Plan to Combat Lawlessness to Kick Off in Bekaa
The security agencies, AMAL movement, and Hizbullah agreed on a scenario to help implement a security plan that will kick off this week in the Bekaa region, al-Akhbar daily reported on Monday.
The plan to control the spread of outlaws, thieves, carjacking and kidnapping fanning out in the eastern region aims to gain the people's support in a bid to assist the Lebanese army's mission and make it a success, the daily added.
“The Lebanese army does not want to suppress the demands of the people in the Bekaa or improve their living and economic conditions, but to fight thieves and outlaws,” unnamed security sources told the daily.
On the other hand, As Safir newspaper pointed that Speaker Nabih Berri will hold a meeting with a delegation from Bekaa clan elders in the context of preparations for the security plan.
It is likely that the visiting delegation will also meet with Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji.
Berri told As Safir that the time has come for the state to grasp control and extend its authority once again in the Bekaa region.
“The region has paid dearly for negligence at all levels,” Berri said.
The cabinet approved recently a 1.6-billion-dollar plan to provide the Lebanese army with the necessary equipment and arms. The payments will be made over a five-year period.
Increasing crime, thefts and abductions in Bekaa have intensified in the past year, although the state institutions have launched a number of campaigns to combat the trend.
Military and security experts say that kidnapping, carjacking and other crime will continue to increase amid a decentralization of security authority in Lebanon that has led security bodies to align with rival sects.
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