Lebanon forces fully ready to counter all threats: Army

The Lebanese army says it is fully prepared to repel all types of threats amid Saudi Arabia’s growing pressure and reports of an Israeli plan for a new war on the Arab country.

“The army is today stronger than at any time before. Security on the border [with Syria] and inside the country is under control,” army chief Jean Kahwagi said on Monday.

The Lebanese army has been fighting militants near the border with Syria, amid fears of a spillover of the conflict being waged by Takfiri terrorist groups to topple President Bashar al-Assad.

Last month, Saudi Arabia suspended billions of dollars in financial pledge to Beirut, prompting warnings that the decision might undermine the Lebanon's battle against terrorists and threats by the illegal Zionist entity.

Kahwagi dismissed those fears. He said the army would strike with an “iron fist” at any attempt aimed at reviving plans to spread chaos, divisions and partition, or destroy Lebanon's national unity.

“The Army will remain at the highest level of readiness on all fronts of responsibility and duty: From fighting terrorism on the border, to defending against Israel and its schemes, to spreading security and stability in the interior,” he said.

SS