Qahwaji Marks Army Day, Vows to Save IS Abducted Soldiers

Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji marked Lebanon's Army Day Monday and reassured that efforts to free the soldiers abducted by the Islamic State group will continue, as he renewed oath to defend Lebanon and protect its borders and wealth, the National News Agency reported.

“On your behalf, I renew our oath to defend Lebanon and protect its borders and wealth. I hereby vow before the families of your hero fellows who were taken hostage by terrorist groups that we shall pursue our endeavors with persistence to uncover their destiny and liberate them to ensure their safe return back to their loved ones and to the institution they belong to,” said Qahwaji in his Order of the Day.

He was referring to the nine servicemen who have been held hostage by the Islamic State group since the deadly 2014 battle between jihadists and the Lebanese army in and around the northeastern border town of Arsal.

Marking the 71st Army Day anniversary, Qahwaji hailed the army's efforts in preserving Lebanon's territories, he added: “Through your commitment to the implementation of Resolution 1701 and in close coordination with the International Force, you have preserved national sovereignty and Lebanon’s regional and international standing through your deployment and tenacity throughout the southern border in the confrontation with the Israeli enemy which is eager to take hold of our land and oil wealth.

“In parallel, you have heroically confronted the Takfiri terrorist waves at the eastern border and you have relentlessly continued to eradicate their cells which aim to launch sabotage attacks. Your efforts have shielded the country from slipping into the unknown.”

The Army Commander added: “While we are convinced that the effective confrontation with terrorism, which has currently turned into a global comprehensive danger that threatens the customs and cultures of people throughout the world by resorting to different criminal means and methods in its barbaric acts, necessitates a comprehensive strategy that takes into consideration the coordination of international security efforts and promoting cultural awareness between the different people of the world and addressing critical economic and social issues, the national security effort remains pivotal in this confrontation and this is what you have proven and gave a bright example of.”

He concluded and said: “Be confident that we will spare no effort with the aim of providing the weapons and equipment that truly suits the sacrifices you are giving and your tenacious will to carry on with the fight against terrorism.”