Beirut, April 12 (Petra) – Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized in a televised address on Saturday that any weapons outside the control of the state pose a grave risk to Lebanon’s interests for several reasons.

"It is time for all of us to say clearly: Only the state, its army, and its official security forces can protect Lebanon," Aoun declared.

Referring to the recent incident involving unidentified rocket fire from southern Lebanon, Aoun stated that while the perpetrators remain unknown, "Lebanese citizens across the spectrum agree that such actions are against the country’s interest and part of a malicious conspiracy aimed at destabilizing Lebanon."

"These actions offer further justification to those already looking for excuses to attack us," he said, warning that they weaken Lebanon's standing not only among its global allies but also in the eyes of those still willing to offer support.

The president commended the unified national condemnation of the incident and highlighted the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council’s initiative to file a formal legal complaint against those responsible. He called the move "a highly significant and commendable step with major implications."

//Petra// AF

12/04/2025 21:22:50