The Daily Star - Army: Security effort led to 700 arrests in May - June 11, 2011

BEIRUT: A security campaign launched by the Lebanese Army led to the arrest of more than 700 people from various nationalities during the month of May, a statement released by the army said Friday.

According to the statement, the campaign was a measure to safeguard security and stability in the country.

“As a result of the security procedures adopted by Lebanese Army units within different regions in the country last month, the Lebanese Army arrested 714 individuals from different nationalities, some of whom were wanted on arrest warrants,” the statement added.

Some of those arrested were charged with being in the country without residence permits or immigration documents. The statement also said that a number of vehicles, weapons and drugs were confiscated during the campaign.

“Among the confiscated items were 81 cars, four storage tanks, 107 motorbikes and three fishing boats in addition to some personal weapons, ammunition and drugs. All arrested individuals and the confiscated items were transferred to the proper judicial authorities,” the statement said.

As the political vacuum in the country reaches its fifth month after the collapse of Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s government, several high-ranking officials have told The Daily Star that the number of security breaches may increase due to the general climate of political drift.