View source for Lebanese Armed Forces

{{Short description|Combined military forces of Lebanon}}
{{Distinguish|text = [[Lebanese Forces]], a Lebanese political party}}
{{Infobox national military
| name = Lebanese Armed Forces
| native_name = {{native name|ar|القوات المسلحة اللبنانية}}
| image = Emblema de las Fuerzas Armadas Libanesas.svg
| caption = Emblem of the Lebanese Armed Forces
| image2 = Flag of the Lebanese Armed Forces (Front).svg{{!}}border
| caption2 = Flag of the Lebanese Armed Forces
| motto = "Honor, Sacrifice, Loyalty"<br />({{langx|ar|شرف · تضحية  · وفاء|Sharaf.Tadhia.Wafa}})
| founded = 1 August 1945
| current_form = 1991
| branches = {{tree list}}
* {{army|Lebanon}}
** {{flagicon image|Garde républicaine.gif}} [[Republican Guard (Lebanon)|Lebanese Republican Guard]]
* {{air force|Lebanon}}
* {{navy|Lebanon}}
{{tree list/end}}
| headquarters = [[Yarze]], [[Lebanon]]
| website = {{URL|https://www.lebarmy.gov.lb|Official website}}
| commander-in-chief = [[Joseph Aoun]]
| commander-in-chief_title = [[President of Lebanon|Commander-in-chief]]
| chief minister = [[Nawaf Salam]]
| chief minister_title = [[Prime Minister of Lebanon|Prime Minister]]
| minister = [[Michel Menassa]]
| minister_title = [[Ministry of National Defense (Lebanon)|Minister of Defense]]
| commander = [[Rodolph Haykal]]
{{Infobox |child=yes
| label1 = Chief of Staff
| data1 = General [[Hassan Audi]]
}}
| commander_title = [[Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces|Commander of the Armed Forces]]
<!-- Manpower -->| age = 18–30 years of age for voluntary military service
| conscription = No (abolished in 2007)
| manpower_age = 18–39
| active = 170,000<ref>[IISS (2023). The Military Balance 2023. Routledge. p. 338].</ref>
| reserve = 465,000
| amount = $2 billion (FY2024)
| foreign_suppliers = {{flag|Brazil}}<br />{{flag|France}}<br />{{flag|Germany}}<br />{{flag|Italy}}<br />{{flag|Japan}}<br />{{flag|United States}}<br />{{flag|Russia}}<br />{{flag|China}}<br />{{flag|Iraq}}<br />{{flag|United Kingdom}}<br/>{{flag|European Union}}<br/>{{flag|South Korea}}
| exports = Weapons and equipment
| history = [[1948 Arab–Israeli War]]<br />[[1958 Lebanon crisis]]<br />[[1961 Lebanese coup attempt]]<br />[[War over Water (Jordan River)|The War over Water]]<br />[[Six-Day War]]<br>[[Lebanese Civil War]]
* [[Battle of the Hotels]]
* [[Hundred Days' War]]
* [[Multinational Force in Lebanon|Multinational Force in Lebanon 1982–1984]]
* [[Mountain War (Lebanon)|Mountain War]]
* [[February 6 Intifada]]
* [[War of the Camps]]
* [[War of Liberation (1989–1990)|War of Liberation]]
** [[War of Elimination (1990, Lebanon)|War of Elimination]]
* [[Battle of Sidon (1991)]]
[[Dinnieh clashes|Operation Dinnieh]]<br />
[[Operation Benin]]<br />
[[War on Terror|Global War on Terrorism]]
* [[United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon|United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (1978–present)]]<ref>[https://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/unifil/ United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723182125/http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/unifil/ |date=2017-07-23 }} Peacekeeping in between the Blue Line</ref>
* [[Israeli–Lebanese conflict]]
* [[South Lebanon conflict (1985–2000)]]
* [[2000–2006 Shebaa Farms conflict]]
* [[2006 Lebanon War]]
* [[2007 Lebanon conflict|Operation Nahr el Bared]]
* [[2008 conflict in Lebanon]]
* [[2010 Israel–Lebanon border clash]]
* [[Syrian Civil War spillover in Lebanon]]
** [[2013 Sidon clash]]
** [[Qalamoun offensive (2014)]]
** [[Battle of Arsal (2014)]]
[[2024 Israeli invasion of Lebanon]]<br>
[[Hezbollah–Syria clashes (2024–present)]]
*[[Lebanon–Syria border clashes (March 2025–present)]]
| ranks = [[Military ranks of Lebanon]]
}}

The '''Lebanese Armed Forces''' ('''LAF'''; {{langx|ar|القوات المسلحة اللبنانية|Al-Quwwāt al-Musallaḥa al-Lubnāniyya}}), also known as the '''Lebanese Army'''<ref>{{cite web |author=الجيش اللبناني |url=http://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/?ln=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020803172425/http://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/?ln=en |url-status=dead |archive-date=2002-08-03 |title=الموقع الرسمي للجيش اللبناني &#124; شرف، تضحية، وفاء |language=ar |website=Lebarmy.gov.lb |access-date=2016-01-08 }}</ref> ({{langx|ar|الجيش اللبناني|Al-Jaish al-Lubnani}}), is the national [[military]] of the [[Lebanon|Republic of Lebanon]]. It consists of three branches, the ground forces, the [[Lebanese Air Force|air force]], and the [[Lebanese Navy|navy]]. The motto of the Lebanese Armed Forces is "Honor, Sacrifice, Loyalty" ({{langx|ar|شرف · تضحية  · وفاء|Sharaf.Tadhia.Wafa}}). In politically unstable Lebanon, the Lebanese army has been described as one of the few state institutions in the country trusted by both the Lebanese population and the international community; and a guarantor of stability in multi-sectarian Lebanon.

==Emblem==
The Lebanese Armed Forces emblem consists of a [[Cedrus libani|Lebanon cedar]] tree surrounded by two [[Bay Laurel|laurel]] leaves, positioned above the symbols of the three branches: the [[ground forces]] represented by the two [[bayonets]], the [[navy]] represented by an [[anchor]], and the [[air force]] represented by two wings.

==General overview==
The Lebanese Armed Forces' primary missions include defending Lebanon and its citizens against external aggression, maintaining internal stability and security, confronting threats against the country's vital interests, engaging in social development activities and undertaking relief operations in coordination with public and [[humanitarian]] institutions.<ref name="lafmission">{{cite web|url=http://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/english/mission.asp|title=LAF Mission|publisher=Lebanese Armed Forces|access-date=19 May 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090615034541/http://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/English/Mission.asp|archive-date=15 June 2009}}</ref>

The armed forces consist of 84,200 active personnel with the ground force consisting of approximately 80,000 troops, the air force 2,500 personnel and 1,700 in the naval force. The remaining personnel are commanders, advisors, engineers and members of the special forces. The LAF is an all-volunteer force. All three branches are operated and coordinated by the LAF Commander; a position customarily held by a Maronite Catholic Christian, from the ministry of defence which is located in [[Yarze]]h, east of Lebanon's capital, [[Beirut]]. The current commander in chief of the Lebanese Armed Forces is General [[Rodolph Haykal]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/en/content/joseph-aoun|title=Joseph Aoun|website=الموقع الرسمي للجيش اللبناني|date=7 March 2017 |access-date=2017-07-12|archive-date=2021-03-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306114556/https://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/en/content/joseph-aoun|url-status=live}}</ref> Currently, the LAF is ranked sixth in the world in terms of growth, with the number of military personnel doubling over the period between 1985 and 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/mil_arm_for_gro-military-armed-forces-growth|title=Armed forces growth (most recent) by country|publisher=NationMaster.com|year=2002|access-date=December 13, 2008|archive-date=February 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140217152611/http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/mil_arm_for_gro-military-armed-forces-growth|url-status=live}}</ref> The country has six military colleges and schools. Lebanese officers are sent to other countries such as the United States, Russia or other parts of Europe to receive additional training.

The equipment of the LAF is outdated due to lack of funds, political bickering and until the 2000s, the presence of foreign forces. The Lebanese government is working with its partners to improve the armed forces' capabilities. After the conclusion of the [[Lebanese Civil War]], the LAF decided to repair as much of its equipment as it could, while being aided by modest donations from other states. The United States remains a key partner for Lebanon in this improvement process.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/en/content/us-military-assistance-lebanon-equipping-laf-not-transforming-it|title=US Military Assistance to Lebanon: Equipping LAF Not Transforming It|website=الموقع الرسمي للجيش اللبناني|date=24 November 2015 |access-date=2018-02-05|archive-date=2021-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410060550/https://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/en/content/us-military-assistance-lebanon-equipping-laf-not-transforming-it|url-status=live}}</ref> About 85% of the LAF's equipment is US-made, with the remaining being UK, French, and Soviet-made.<ref name="lafequipmentoff">{{cite web|url=http://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/English/Equipments.asp |title=LAF Equipment |publisher=Lebanese Armed Forces |access-date=19 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060719180511/http://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/English/Equipments.asp |archive-date=19 July 2006 }}</ref>

==History==
[[File:LebaneseFighters.jpg|thumb|right|Lebanese soldiers during the mutasarrif period]]
During the period of [[Autonomous entity|semi-autonomous]] province of [[Mount Lebanon Mutasarrifate]] between 1861 and 1914, the province reportedly had its own army of volunteer militias which gained the attention of a traveler in 1914, contending: "the free independent bearing of these mountaineers was in striking contrast to that of the underpaid, underfed and poorly clothed conscripts of the regular [Ottoman] army".<ref>{{cite book|last=LEARY|first=LEWIS GASTON |title=Syria, The Land of Lebanon|publisher=McBbidk, Nast & Co.|location=New York|date=November 1913 |page=16|chapter=2|url=https://archive.org/stream/syrialandofleban00learuoft/syrialandofleban00learuoft_djvu.txt|access-date=January 1, 2009|isbn=978-1-4446-7401-9}}</ref>

The beginnings of the modern Lebanese Army arose during 1916, when the French government established the "Legion of the Orient", which included Lebanese soldiers.<ref name="lafhistoryoff">{{cite web|url=http://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/english/history.asp |title=LAF History |publisher=Lebanese Armed Forces |access-date=2009-05-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501064935/http://lebarmy.gov.lb/English/History.asp |archive-date=2009-05-01 }}</ref> After a post [[World War I]] [[League of Nations]] mandate was established over Lebanon in April 1920, France formed the [[Army of the Levant]], which was later reorganized to include the locally recruited ''Troupes Spéciales du Levant'' (Special Troops of the Levant). These indigenous troops were diverse units composed of [[Lebanese people|Lebanese]], [[Syrians|Syrian]], [[Circassians in Syria|Circassian]] and [[Kurds|Kurdish]] enlisted personnel; all commanded predominantly by French officers. By 1938, the ''Troupes Speciales'' numbered 10,000 with 306 officers, of whom only 88 were French.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Andrews |first1=Christopher M. |last2=Kanya-Forstner |first2=A.S. |title=The French Imperial Climax - France Overseas. The Great War and the Climax of French Imperial Expansion. |date=1981 |publisher=Thames and Hudson |location=London |isbn=9780500250754 |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-african-history/article/abs/french-imperial-climax-france-overseas-the-great-war-and-the-climax-of-french-imperial-expansion-by-christopher-m-andrew-and-a-s-kanyaforstner-london-thames-and-hudson-1981-pp-302-12/CE66EA1F9CCDCB9203660AC787B3A8FF |access-date=2023-01-05 |archive-date=2023-01-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105125334/https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-african-history/article/abs/french-imperial-climax-france-overseas-the-great-war-and-the-climax-of-french-imperial-expansion-by-christopher-m-andrew-and-a-s-kanyaforstner-london-thames-and-hudson-1981-pp-302-12/CE66EA1F9CCDCB9203660AC787B3A8FF |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition to the locally engaged ''Troupes Speciales''; [[Maghrebis|North African]], [[Senegal]]ese and [[French people|French]] military units served in Syria and the Lebanon.

Later in 1926, the Lebanese First Sharp Shooters Unit was created out of the Special Troops of the Levant; it is considered to be a direct precursor to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).<ref name="lafhistoryoff"/>

During [[World War II]], Lebanese troops fought in Lebanon with the [[Vichy France|Vichy French]] forces against [[Free French Forces|Free French]] and [[United Kingdom|British]] forces. After the Vichy forces in the [[Middle East]] surrendered in July 1941, volunteers from the ''Troupes Spéciales du Levant'' enlisted in the Free French forces and participated in combat in [[Italy]], [[North Africa]], and southern France.<ref name="gs"/> In 1943, prior to the declaration of Lebanese independence, all the military units were combined in one brigade, the Fifth Brigade, under the command of [[Fuad Chehab|General Fouad Chehab]]. On the day Lebanon declared independence, the Lebanese Third Sharp Shooters ''(tirailleurs)'' Regiment was placed at the disposal of the Lebanese government in order to maintain security. In June of the same year, the French reconstituted units of the ''Troupes Spéciales du Levant'', which were then attached to the British forces in the Middle East. The majority of the Lebanese Armed Forces remained a part of the [[French Army]] in Lebanon.<ref name="gs"/>

===Post-independence===
After Lebanon gained independence in 1943, the Lebanese government formed an official delegation in 1944 to negotiate with the French the terms related to handing over the LAF. After nearly three weeks of talks, the joint French-British Command decreed that responsibility for armed units under French control was to be handed over to the Independent Government of Lebanon.<ref name="lafhistoryoff"/> These units were part of the Troupes Spéciales du Levant and totaled about 3,000 men.<ref name="gs"/> On August 1, 1945, at 00:00 hours, the LAF was placed under full authority of the Lebanese National Government; this day is commemorated annually as Lebanese Army Day.<ref name="lafhistoryoff"/>
[[File:Former Flag of the Lebanese Army.svg|thumb|200x200px|The Lebanese Army first flag under Independent Lebanon]]
After establishing authority over the LAF in 1945, the Lebanese government intentionally kept its armed forces small and weak due to the country's unique internal politics. [[Christianity|Christian]] politicians feared that [[Islam|Muslims]] might use the armed forces as a vehicle for seizing power in a military [[coup d'état|coup]]. They also appeared unwilling to incur the cost of maintaining a large well equipped army.<ref name="gs"/> Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Lebanon never spent more than 4% of its [[Gross National Product|GNP]] on the military budget.<ref name="gs"/> Many Christian Lebanese also feared that a large army would inevitably force Lebanon into the [[Arab–Israeli conflict]]. However, Muslim politicians were also worried that a strong army could be used against Muslim interests because it would be commanded by Christians. At the same time they tended to feel that the military should be strong enough to play a part in the Arab-Israeli struggle.<ref name="gs"/> In addition to the two major conflicting views, prominent Lebanese politicians of the myriad of religious denominations in Lebanon have also tended to be feudal warlords commanding their own private militias and feared that a strong army would endanger their personal power.<ref name="gs">{{cite web |title=Lebanese Ground Forces |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/lebanon/army.htm |website=GlobalSecurity |access-date=December 8, 2008 |archive-date=September 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923101709/https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/lebanon/army.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 6 June 1948, the 3rd battalion of the Lebanese Army, backed by [[Arab Liberation Army]], fought [[Israel Defense Forces|Israeli forces]] occupying the Lebanese villages of [[Qadas]] and [[Al-Malkiyya|Malkieh]] and captured them, subsequently handing them over to the ALA and withdrawing by 8 July.<ref name="Hughes">{{cite journal |last=Hughes |first=Matthew  |date=Winter 2005 |title=Lebanon's Armed Forces and the Arab-Israeli War, 1948–49 |journal=Journal of Palestine Studies |volume=34 |issue=2 |pages=24–41 |doi=10.1525/jps.2005.34.2.024 |s2cid=154088601 }}</ref><ref name="lafhistoryoff"/><ref>Khalidi, Walid. (1992). ''All That Remains''. [[Institute of Palestine Studies]], p.471.</ref> This was the first major combat operation for the Lebanese Armed Forces under the independent Lebanese government.

=== Role in post 2005 Lebanon ===
The Lebanese military has been described by [[the Economist]] as one of the few respected institutions left in a fragmented Lebanon. Under the leadership of General [[Joseph Aoun]], the army has been considered immune to sectarian preferences as well as immune to corruption.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |title=Lebanon’s army is less useless than its reputation suggests |url=https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2024/10/17/lebanons-army-is-less-useless-than-its-reputation-suggests |access-date=2024-11-05 |work=The Economist |issn=0013-0613}}</ref> According to Nicholas Nasser, the LAF is "one of the few institutions that command the trust of both the vast majority of Lebanese citizens and international stakeholders".<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2024-10-15 |title=Lebanon’s army looks on as fighting intensifies between Israel and Hezbollah |url=https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20241015-lebanon-s-army-looks-on-as-fighting-intensifies-between-israel-and-hezbollah |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=France 24 |language=en}}</ref> Nasser described the army as the embodiment of a [[Multiculturalism|multi sectarian]] society which is able to work together.<ref name=":1" />

The Lebanese army today has 800,000 troops.<ref name=":0" /> Due to sectarian pressures and the fragmented political system, the Lebanese army is held back from fulfilling its obligations to disarm Hizbullah. However the Lebanese military has been able to "operate as a police force", preventing sectarian violence and resolving tensions between refugees and local [[Christianity in Lebanon|Christians]]. The military has also kept watch on [[Lebanese Shia Muslims|Shia]] refugees in non Shia areas fleeing warzones. According to the Economist, the army has also fought armed sectarian groups within Lebanon.<ref name=":0" /> The LAF is also seen as key to maintaining stability within Lebanon.<ref name=":1" />

=== Centralized weapon control ===
Following the [[Israel–Hezbollah conflict (2023–present)|Israel–Hezbollah conflict]] that began in 2023, the [[2024 Hezbollah headquarters strike|killing of Nasrallah]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-27 |title=Israel strikes Hezbollah in a huge blast targeting the militant group's leader |url=https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-hezbollah-airstrikes-suburb-617575d9c5d7c711bc02e7b81d2ba4ad |access-date=2025-09-07 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> Hezbollah weakening and the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, the new Lebanese government agreed on centralizing weapons control in the country.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gebeily |first=Maya |last2=Taher |first2=Aziz |last3=Gebeily |first3=Maya |date=2024-11-27 |title=Israel-Hezbollah truce holds, displaced Lebanese begin to journey home |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-hezbollah-ceasefire-takes-effect-2024-11-27/ |access-date=2025-09-07 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-08 |title=War-torn Lebanon forms its first government in over 2 years to end deadlock |url=https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-new-government-350f502bcaa2587c1b08f0653d8021a1 |access-date=2025-09-07 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> This meant disarmament of all armed militias in Lebanon, when the biggest issue is the [[disarmament of Hezbollah]]. On 5 September 2025 General [[Rodolphe Haykal]] presented to the government a multi-stage disarmament roadmap.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=PM Salam: Cabinet welcomes army plan to consolidate weapons across Lebanon |url=https://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/lebanon-news/876689/lbci-lebanon-articles/en |access-date=2025-09-07 |website=LBCIV7 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-09-05 |title=Lebanon cabinet welcomes army plan to disarm Hezbollah, no timeline given |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/lebanon-cabinet-welcomes-army-plan-disarm-hezbollah-no-timeline-given-2025-09-05/ |access-date=2025-09-07 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref>

The roadmap presented to the Cabinet on 5 September 2025, has 5 phases:

'''Phase 1'''

During this phase the Lebanese army will complete the disarmament south of the [[Litani River]], where a substantial weapons were already collected with the help of UNIFIL.<ref name=":4" />

'''Phase 2'''

Will expand the operation to north of the Litani River up to the [[Awali (river)|Awali River]], that is as the entryway to [[Southern Lebanon|South Lebanon]].<ref name=":4" />

'''Phase 3'''

Will see concentrate on Beirut and its suburbs in order to centralize control in a politically sensitive area.<ref name=":4" />

'''Phase 4'''

Will put the focus on the [[Beqaa Valley|Bekaa Valley region]], extending disarmament reach into eastern Lebanon.<ref name=":4" />

'''Phase 5'''

the final phase of the roadmap will see further activities in the rest of the country, including northern parts of Lebanon, ensuring nationwide enforcement.<ref name=":4" />

==Branches==

===Armed Forces Command===
The LAF Command is headquartered at Yarzeh. The Military Council has 6 members which includes the Army Commander, the Chief of Staff and 4 generals representing the Sunnis, Shi’a, Greek Orthodox and Greek Catholic.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=lebanons01 |date=2015-02-13 |title=Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) |url=https://civilsociety-centre.org/party/lebanese-armed-forces-laf-0 |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=Civil Society Knowledge Centre |language=en}}</ref>
* [[President of Lebanon|The Commander-in-Chief]]
* [[Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces|The Commander of the Armed Forces]]
* The Chief of staff
* Deputy Chiefs of Staff
* Various Directorates

===Chiefs of staff===
* Tawfiq Salem (August 1 1945 - December 31 1958)
* Youssef Shmait (January 1 1959 - June 11 1971)
* Saeed Nasrallah (June 12 1971 - June 30 1976)
* Mounir Tarabay (May 3 1977 - February 14 1983)
* Nadim Al-Hakim (February 15 1983 - August 22 1984)
* Mahmoud Tayy Abu Dargham (November 14 1984 - June 30 1987)
* Riyad Takieddine (January 16 1991 - June 39 1997)
* Samir Al-Qadi (July 24 1997 - June 30 2000)
* Fadi Abu Shakra (July 1 2000 - November 1 2002)
* Ramzi Abu Hamza (November 1 2002 - July 22 2005)
* Shawqi Al-Masry (October 10 2005 - April 7 2011)
* Walid Salman (April 7 2011 - September 30 2016)
* Hatem Mallak (October 1 2016 - October 15 2018)
* Amin Al-Aram (April 4 2019 - December 25 2022)
* Hassan Awda (February 8 2024 - Present)

===Lebanese Ground Forces===
The Lebanese Ground Forces ({{langx|ar|القوات البريّة|al-quwwat al-barriya|lit=Ground Forces}}) are by far the largest of the three branches of the military.<ref name=":3" />

The Lebanese Ground Forces consist of:<ref name=":3" />
* '''5 Regional Commands'''
** Beirut Region
** Bekaa Region
** Mount Lebanon Region
** North Region
** South Region
* '''11 Brigades'''
** 5 Heavy (Mechanised) Brigades
*** 1st Infantry Brigade
*** [[2nd Infantry Brigade (Lebanon)|2nd Infantry Brigade]]
*** [[3rd Infantry Brigade (Lebanon)|3rd Infantry Brigade]]
*** [[5th Infantry Brigade (Lebanon)|5th Infantry Brigade]]
*** [[6th Infantry Brigade (Lebanon)|6th Infantry Brigade]]
** 6 Light Brigades
*** [[7th Infantry Brigade (Lebanon)|7th Infantry Brigade]]
*** [[8th Infantry Brigade (Lebanon)|8th Infantry Brigade]]
*** [[9th Infantry Brigade (Lebanon)|9th Infantry Brigade]]
*** [[10th Infantry Brigade (Lebanon)|10th Infantry Brigade]]
*** 11th Infantry Brigade 
*** 12th Infantry Brigade
* 1st Artillery Regiment
* 2nd Artillery Regiment
* Signals Regiment 
* Lebanese Commando Regiment
** Includes the '''Mountain Combat''' Company.
* Lebanese Airborne Regiment
* Counter-Sabotage Regiment (Moukafaha)
* 1st Intervention Force Regiment
* 2nd Intervention Force Regiment
* 3rd Intervention Force Regiment
* 4th Intervention Force Regiment
* 5th Intervention Force Regiment
* 6th Intervention Force Regiment
* [[Republican Guard (Lebanon)|Republican Guard Brigade]]
* Medical Brigade
* Support Brigade
* Logistics Brigade
* Military Police
* Army Band
* Independent Construction Regiment
* [[1st Armored Regiment (Lebanon)|1st Armored Regiment]]
* 1st Land Border Regiment
* 2nd Land Border Regiment
* 3rd Land Border Regiment
* 4th Land Border Regiment
The [[4th Infantry Brigade (Lebanon)|Fourth Brigade]] was previously active but was disbanded in 1984.

===Lebanese Air Force===
{{Main|Lebanese Air Force}}

The Lebanese Air Force ({{langx|ar|القوات الجوية اللبنانية|al-quwwat al-jawiyah al-lubnaniyah}}) currently has a number of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft including the Bell [[UH-1 Iroquois|UH-1H]] Huey, [[Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma]], [[Aérospatiale Gazelle|Gazelle]], [[Cessna Caravan]], and various others. The air force is currently in the process of restoring its jet capabilities and considering the purchase of a small number of fighters or jet trainers.<ref name=":3" />

===Lebanese Naval Forces===
{{Main|Lebanese Navy}}

The [[Lebanese Navy]], officially the '''Lebanese Naval Forces''' ({{langx|ar|القوات البحرية اللبنانية|al-quwwat al-bahriya al-lubnaniyah}}) is responsible for protecting [[Lebanon]]'s [[territorial waters]], [[port]]s, and fighting illegal smuggling of goods. At the head of the naval hierarchy is the Navy Command, then it branches off into the quarter-general of the Navy, the Department of Naval Equipment Stores, the Naval School, [[Beirut]] Naval Base and the [[Jounieh]] Naval Base.

The navy, which currently lacks a suitable amount of equipment, has approximately 50 vessels of various sizes and roles; however, it is trying to modernize itself and increase its size.

===Lebanese Special Forces===
{{Lebanese Military}}
{{Main|Lebanese Special Operations Command}}
The Lebanese Special Forces are the elite of the Lebanese Armed Forces. Those who enroll are subjected to rigorous training regimes and must be in peak physical and mental condition prior to their ascension to such a highly desired position. Each branch of the Armed Forces maintains its own form of Special Forces or Commandos. These include:
* [[Lebanese Commando Regiment|Commando Regiment]] (Also known as the [[Maghaweer]])
* Lebanese Airborne Regiment - Moujawkal
* [[Marine Commandos]]
* Lebanese counter-terrorism and sabotage unit (Moukafaha)
* Panthers (part of the [[Internal Security Force]], i.e. police)

In 2008, the Lebanese Armed Forces started establishing the [[Lebanese Special Operations Command]] in order to group the LAF's elite units. These special operations forces will include the Airborne Regiment, the Rangers Regiment, the Navy Commandos Regiment, and the Counter-Sabotage Regiment of the Military Intelligence. The initial size of the force will be less than two brigades, around 5,000 troops, but the plan is to enlarge it up to three brigades.<ref>{{Cite news
 |last       = Kahwaji
 |first      = Riad
 |title      = Special Operations Command, More Military Aid for Beirut
 |newspaper  = Defense News
 |date       = January 21, 2008
 |url        = http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=3308844
 }}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
</ref>

===Colleges and schools===
The Lebanese Armed Forces has six official military colleges and schools that serve a wide variety of functions from officer training to overseeing national youth conscription programs. The recent emphasis on the First Flag Service Center is designed to help overcome the diverse nature of the population. The schools and colleges are:
* [[Fouad Shehab Command and Staff College]]
* [[Lebanese Army High Center for Military Sport|High Center for Military Sport]]
* [[Lebanese Army Military Academy]]
* [[Lebanese Army Skiing and Mountain Fighting School|Skiing and Mountain Fighting School]]
* [[Lebanese Army Teaching Institute|Teaching Institute]]
* [[Lebanese Air Force Aviation School|Air Force Aviation School]]
* [[Lebanese Army Naval Academy|Naval Academy]]
* Lebanese Special Forces School

The Staff and Command College, Military Academy, and Mountain Skiing Fighting School are training centers for Lebanese soldiers designed to upgrade the quality of their skills while the High Center for Military Sport is designed to keep them in peak physical shape (it also organizes sports groups and teams for international competition as well). The Training Institute is designed to help soldiers specialize in certain aspects of the military, such as artillery and defense.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/lebanon/schools.htm|title=Military Colleges & Schools|publisher=GlobalSecurity.org|access-date=December 12, 2008|archive-date=October 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013215147/https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/lebanon/schools.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Equipment==
{{Main|List of equipment of the Lebanese Armed Forces}}
{{See also|List of former equipment of the Lebanese Armed Forces}}
The Lebanese Army still uses equipment mostly received through donations or friendly prices. Its workhorse is the [[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113]] which is commonly used by every regiment and brigade. A collection of Western and [[Soviet Union|Soviet]]-made weaponry and equipment exists ranging from [[rifle]]s to [[tank]]s. However, the Lebanese Army is trying to re-arm and modernize itself through new aid and purchases from different countries such as the [[United States]], [[Belgium]], [[Russia]], and [[Netherlands|the Netherlands]]. A list of awaiting-for-delivery armaments is constantly growing and includes [[T-80]] tanks,<ref>{{cite news| title = T-80BVM Main Battle Tanks From Russian Ferderation to Lebanese Army| publisher = Nahar Net| date = November 21, 2008| url = http://www.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/0/61B674E90F28A4DBC22575080030DE77?OpenDocument| access-date = November 21, 2008| archive-date = May 21, 2011| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110521215958/http://www.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/0/61B674E90F28A4DBC22575080030DE77?OpenDocument| url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="dlnews">{{cite news|url=http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=52128|title=U.S. Forces Help Lebanese Military Assert Control|last=Garamone|first=Jim|date=December 1, 2008|publisher=American Forces Press Service - DefenseLink News|access-date=2008-12-10|archive-date=2009-11-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091130080317/http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=52128|url-status=live}}</ref> [[M198 Howitzer]]s, etc. A recent Russian promise to supply Lebanon with [[T-90]] tanks has been in discussion since the Lebanese Defense Minister's last visit to Russia on December 16, 2008.<ref>{{cite news|title=Russia to donate 10 fighter jets to Lebanon|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=December 18, 2008|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-dec-18-fg-russia-lebanon18-story.html|access-date=May 19, 2009|first1=Borzou|last1=Daragahi|first2=Raed|last2=Rafei|archive-date=October 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017052859/http://articles.latimes.com/2008/dec/18/world/fg-russia-lebanon18|url-status=live}}</ref>

Throughout its history, the Lebanese Army employed different weapons and equipment which, at the time, were considered state-of-the-art. Most of these arms have either been phased out of service or sold to other countries. Among the major equipment that is not currently active are the [[AMX-13]], [[Alvis Saladin|Saladin]], [[Panhard M3]], and [[T17 (armored car)|Staghound]] vehicles. The Lebanese air force has two [[A-29 Super Tucano]] aircraft as well as three [[Bell UH-1 Iroquois|Huey II]] helicopters delivered to it from the [[United States]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lebanon - Lebanese Air Force |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/lebanon/airforce-modernization.htm |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=www.globalsecurity.org}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2021-12-17 |title=Lebanese Air Force Restructures Fleet - Unipath |url=https://unipath-magazine.com/lebanese-air-force-restructures-fleet/ |access-date=2024-11-05 |language=en-US }}{{Dead link|date=June 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The Lebanese air force in total holds 18 [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAVs]] as well as 68 aircraft.<ref name=":2" />

==Military ranks==
{{main|Military ranks of Lebanon}}
The military ranks are as follows:

{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armed Forces/OF/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armies/OF/Lebanon}}
|}

==Uniforms==
{| style="text-align:center; border:1px solid #8888aa; background:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin:0 12px 12px 0;"
|- style="background:#fff;"
||Image
|| [[File:Scorpion W2, Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) swatch.png|110px]]
|| [[File:ACU Universal Camouflage Pattern.jpg|110px]]
|| [[File:MARPAT desert pattern.jpg|100px]]
|| [[File:Marpat wood.gif|100px]]
|| [[File:Lebanesemoukafahacamouf.png|100px]]
|| [[File:lebanesenavysealsblackcamo.png|100px]]
|- align=center
||Name
|| [[Operational Camouflage Pattern]]
|| [[Universal Camouflage Pattern|UCP]]
||  [[MARPAT|MARPAT desert pattern]]
|| [[MARPAT|MARPAT Woodland]]
|| [[Lizard (camouflage)|Lizard Camouflage]]
|| Black Camouflage
|- align=center
||Users
|| All units since 21 November 2017
|| [[Lebanese Navy SEALs Regiment|Marine Commandos]]
|| Airborne Regiment
|| [[Lebanese Commando Regiment|Commando Regiment]]
|| Moukafaha
|| [[Lebanese Navy SEALs Regiment|Marine Commandos]]
|}

==Training==
Training of new conscripts takes place in the First Flag Service Center (FFSC). After a week of enlisting, they submit to two training courses, the common military training basic course and the specific course. All these courses are organized in details according to a program determining hours of training taking into consideration the conscript rank.<ref name=LBarmy>{{cite web|url=http://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/English/CollegesMilitaryServiceMain.asp#tadrib|title=Training in the FFSC|work=Lebanese Army website|access-date=2008-12-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210232648/http://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/English/CollegesMilitaryServiceMain.asp#tadrib|archive-date=2009-02-10|url-status=dead}}</ref> The first course consists of 240 hours equivalent to 9 weeks and the training program is composed of:
* Military rules and regulations
* Technical and [[Military tactics|tactical]] education
* [[Weapons]]
* [[Physical fitness]]
* Orientation and moral preparation

The second course consists of 84 hours equivalent to three weeks. The infantry course is composed of:
* Physical fitness
* [[Military parade|Drill]]
* [[Infantry]] weapons, which are available in the Lebanese army and its tactics.

==Combat history==

===1975–1990 Lebanese Civil War===
{{Main|Lebanese Civil War}}
As the civil war escalated, Lebanese militias grew stronger and soon surpassed the regular army. This rapidly undermined the authority of the central government. The government's ability to maintain order was also handicapped by the nature of the Lebanese Army. One of the smallest in the [[Middle East]], it was composed based on a fixed ratio of religions. As members defected to sectarian militias, the army would eventually prove unable to contain the militant groups, rein in the [[PLO]] or monitor foreign infiltration. Since the government was Christian-dominated, especially the officers' ranks, trust among Muslims for central institutions, including the army, was low. The disintegration of the Lebanese Army was eventually initiated by Muslim [[deserter]]s declaring that they would no longer take orders from the Maronite generals.

===1991 Taif Agreement===
On 4 July 1991, following the failure of disarmament negotiations, as required by the [[Taif Agreement]], the Lebanese Army attacked Palestinian positions in Southern Lebanon. The offensive, involving 10,000 troops against an estimated 5,000 militia, lasted 3 days and ended with the Army taking all the Palestinian positions around [[Sidon]]. In the agreement that followed all heavy weapons were surrendered and infantry weapons only allowed in the two refugee camps, [[Ain al-Hilweh]] and [[Mieh Mieh refugee camp|Mieh Mieh]]. 73 people were killed in the fighting, and 200 wounded, mostly Palestinian.<ref>[[Middle East International]] No 404, 12 July 1991, Publishers [[Christopher Mayhew|Lord Mayhew]], [[Dennis Walters|Dennis Walters MP]]; p.3 [[Jim Muir]], pp.4,5 Godfrey Jansen, Lamis Andoni</ref><ref>[[Journal of Palestine Studies]] 81 Volume XXI, Number 1, Autumn 1991, [[University of California Press]]. pp.193,194 Chronology quoting [[Los Angeles Times]] 7/6, Mideast Mirror (MEM), London 7/5</ref>

===1999–2000 Dinnieh fighting===
{{Main|Dinnieh fighting}}
During December 1999–January 2000, an Islamic group launched a failed uprising against the Lebanese authorities in the [[Danniyeh|Dinnieh]] district. In a period of 8 days of fighting in the snow-blanketed mountains east of the northern port of Tripoli, 14 soldiers and 25 rebels were killed.<ref>{{Cite news
 |last1        = Gambill
 |first1       = Gary C.
 |last2       = Endrawos
 |first2      = Bassam
 |title       = Bin Laden's Network in Lebanon
 |newspaper   = Middle East Intelligence Bulletin
 |date        = September 2001
 |url         = http://www.meib.org/articles/0109_l1.htm
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20080522163453/http://www.meib.org/articles/0109_l1.htm
 |archive-date = 2008-05-22
}}</ref>

===2006 Lebanon War===
{{Main|2006 Lebanon War}}
In the 2006 Lebanon War, the LAF did not engage in a direct conflict with the [[Israel Defense Forces|Israeli Army]], despite its threat of retaliation if the IDF pushed too far northward into Lebanon. However, Israel did bomb several Lebanese military bases.<ref name="2006warlafmagatimeline">{{cite web |author=الجيش اللبناني |url=http://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/article.asp?ln=ar&id=11546 |title=الموقع الرسمي للجيش اللبناني &#124; شرف، تضحية، وفاء |language=ar |website=Lebarmy.gov.lb |access-date=2016-01-08 |archive-date=2015-04-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403135540/http://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/article.asp?ln=ar&id=11546 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,19828653-5005962,00.html|title=Israel bombs Lebanese army barracks|date=July 18, 2006|publisher=News.com.au|access-date=2009-05-19|archive-date=2009-06-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620145421/http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,19828653-5005962,00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=IAF strikes Lebanese Air Force base |date=2006-07-13 |access-date=2006-07-13 |newspaper=[[The Jerusalem Post]] |url=http://fr.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1150885985413&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110916122533/http://fr.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1150885985413&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull |archive-date=2011-09-16 }}</ref> While providing aid to civilians, Lebanese troops helped to uphold order in city streets, directed refugees to safer areas, and assisted with overlooking damage done by Israeli attacks.<ref name="2006warlafmagatimeline"/> On several occasions, Lebanese troops fired anti-air weapons at Israeli aircraft,<ref>{{cite news| title=Lebanese army stops Israeli helicopters landing| date=2006-07-30| agency=Reuters| url=http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L30832182.htm| access-date=2009-05-19| archive-date=2006-09-28| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060928204912/http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L30832182.htm| url-status=dead}}</ref> but no damage was documented. Overall, 49 Lebanese soldiers were killed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/martyrs.asp?ln=ar&id=12397|script-title=ar:شهداء حرب تموز|publisher=Lebanese Armed Forces|language=ar|access-date=2009-05-19|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620022304/http://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/martyrs.asp?ln=ar&id=12397|archive-date=2009-06-20}}</ref>

After the 2006 Lebanon War, the LAF deployed south of the [[Litani River]] for the first time since 1968 to enforce [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701|Security Council Resolution 1701]]. The LAF says it will not, and cannot, disarm [[Hezbollah]] by force. On August 3, 2010, the Lebanese army [[2010 Israel–Lebanon border clash|fired at Israeli soldiers]] whose crane lifted a soldier across the border to remove a tree off the fence; Israeli troops returned fire. Three LAF soldiers, one Israeli officer and one Lebanese journalist were killed in the incident (after Israeli artillery & aircraft bombing). According to UN reports, there was no evidence that an Israeli soldier had entered Lebanese territory.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-10851692|title=BBC News - Israel-Lebanon border clash kills five people|work=BBC News|date=3 August 2010|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-date=15 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915034050/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-10851692|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon|UNIFIL]] force stationed in the south described the shootout as a "serious incident".

===2007 North Lebanon conflict===
{{Main|2007 Lebanon conflict}}
[[File:Lebanon 2007 conflict map.png|300px|right|thumb|Location of events]]
The 2007 Lebanon conflict began when fighting broke out between [[Fatah al-Islam]], an Islamic terrorist organization, and the Lebanese Armed Forces on May 20, 2007, in [[Nahr al-Bared]], a Palestinian refugee camp near [[Tripoli, Lebanon|Tripoli]]. It has been the most severe internal fighting since Lebanon's 1975–90 civil war. The primary theater of conflict was the Siege of Nahr el-Bared. There was heavy use of Lebanese artillery in that area to eliminate snipers posted around the cities. The conflict finally ended on September 2, 2007, with the Lebanese Army taking control of the camp after more than three months of heavy fights and a death toll of 155 commandos and infantrymen. The LAF Engineering Corps achieved what was seen as a feat of ingenuity during the conflict where they converted a number of UH-1 helicopters into [[Helicopter bombing|bombers]], arming them with 250&nbsp;kg and 400&nbsp;kg conventional bombs from old Hunter and Mirage III fighter jets. Some helicopters were also fitted with French Matra rocket pods. This was, according to observers, a decisive step that considerably shortened the conflict.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lebanon army takes control of camp after battle |work=Reuters |date=September 2, 2007 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSL0261343920070902R |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403151756/https://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSL0261343920070902R |archive-date=April 3, 2015 }}
</ref>

===2008 clashes in Lebanon===
{{Main|2008 fighting in Lebanon}}
[[File:Lebanese Tank Beirut Lebanon Unrest 5-9-08.jpg|thumb|right|A Lebanese [[M113 APC]] in Beirut, during the unrest of May 9, 2008.]]
During the week-long clashes that occurred at the beginning of May 2008 in Beirut and other regions of the country, the army was unable to prevent rival Lebanese groups from fighting each other. This was because the army, along with the government, had thought it would have been better if rival groups would eventually end the violence and sort out the dispute between them alone, other than involving the national army which may have led to great divisions between the soldiers, just like in the civil war. It would have also caused an outcry from the soldiers who could have died, leading to even greater divisions and blame on the political forces.<ref name="cnn_20080508">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/05/08/lebanon.hezbollah/index.html|title=Gunbattles break out in Beirut|access-date=2008-05-08|work=CNN|date=May 9, 2008|archive-date=2019-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126221211/http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/05/08/lebanon.hezbollah/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, whenever ceasefire was brought into action in a specific area or district in Beirut or elsewhere in the country, the LAF would straight away enforce peace. On May 13, the national army announced that if the clashes would not end as soon as possible, it would have to intervene and use force if necessary to stop them.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lebanese army deploys troops around the country to impose law and order by force|url=http://origin.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,355304,00.html|work=Fox News|access-date=2008-05-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620072307/http://origin.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,355304,00.html|archive-date=2009-06-20|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===2011–2017 Syrian Civil War spillover in Lebanon===
{{Main|Syrian civil war spillover in Lebanon}}
[[File:2011.10.11 레바논 군과 연합도보정찰을 실시하는 동명부대원 (7188935295).jpg|thumb|A joint patrol by the Lebanese Army and South Korean troops serving with [[United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon|UNIFIL]] in 2011]]
Since the outbreak of conflict in Syria, the Lebanese Army has been deployed to prevent clashes from taking place in the city of [[Tripoli, Lebanon|Tripoli]], as well as in other hot zones such as [[Beirut]] and [[Arsal]] on the eastern borders. In 2014, [[Islamic State|ISIS]] and [[Al-Nusra Front]] terrorist groups established small bases and fortifications in the [[Anti-Lebanon Mountains]], where they operated against [[Hezbollah]] and the Lebanese Army.<ref>their operations against the Lebanese army and Hezbollah's fighters</ref>

On June 23, 2013, intense clashes in Sidon took place between followers of Salafist Sunni preacher Ahmad Al-Assir and Lebanese troops. Following these clashes, the Lebanese Army was sent in to capture Sheikh Assir's headquarters at Abra and apprehend him. Lebanese Army units fought against pro-Assir militants for two days in a battle that led to the deaths of at least 16 Lebanese soldiers, and the wounding of at least 50 men. Although the LAF managed to secure his complex, Assir was able to escape and was only captured on August 16, 2015, while trying to flee the country on a false passport.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/lebanonnews/lebanon-army-seizes-radical-sunni-clerics-hq|title=Lebanon army seizes radical sunni clerics's HQ|date=25 June 2013|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-date=12 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012115719/https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/lebanonnews/lebanon-army-seizes-radical-sunni-clerics-hq|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-33946842|title=Lebanon arrests wanted militant cleric Ahmad al-Assir|work=BBC News|access-date=16 August 2015|archive-date=5 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305034627/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-33946842|url-status=live}}</ref>

On August 2, 2014, following the arrest of an [[Al-Nusra Front]] commander Abu Ahmad Jumaa, terrorists from Al-Nusra and [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|ISIS]] launched an [[Battle of Arsal|assault]] on the Lebanese Armed Forces in the town of [[Arsal]] and seized control of the town. By August 7, a fragile truce was established as ISIS and Al Nusra forces also retreated from the town and redeployed along the border with Syria. Their hideouts there were subsequently bombed by the [[Syrian Air Force]]. Two days later, the Lebanese Army entered Arsal in full force and reestablished control over checkpoints that the militants had previously seized.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Aug-12/266928-army-removes-militants-bodies-from-arsal.ashx#axzz3ABS02nte|title=Kahwagi: Army will do utmost to free hostages|work=The Daily Star Newspaper - Lebanon|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-date=19 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819111953/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Aug-12/266928-army-removes-militants-bodies-from-arsal.ashx#axzz3ABS02nte|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On July 21, 2017, Hezbollah, the [[Syrian Armed Forces]] and the Lebanese Army [[Qalamoun offensive (2017)|launched a military operation]] against ISIS and [[Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham]] positions on the [[Lebanon–Syria border]]. The Lebanese army committed the [[5th Infantry Brigade (Lebanon)|5th Infantry Brigade]] and [[7th Infantry Brigade (Lebanon)|7th Infantry Brigade]] to the battle, and heavily shelled ISIS and HTS positions. By August 28, most of the around 2,100 militants surrendered to Hezbollah and the Syrian Army.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-lebanon-syria-idUSKCN1B80PR?il=0|title=Islamic State prepares to evacuate Syria-Lebanon border zone|work=Reuters|date=28 August 2017|access-date=6 January 2023|archive-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225015318/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-lebanon-syria-idUSKCN1B80PR?il=0|url-status=live}}</ref>

In December 2024, following the lightning offensive by [[Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham]] in which several large cities in Syria were taken over including the capital [[Damascus]], the Lebanese Armed Forces sealed the border with Syria.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2024 |title=Middle East latest: Lebanon closes all its land border crossings with Syria except one |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/middle-east-latest-negotiations-gaza-ceasefire-resumed-hamas-116516675 |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Lebanese Army tightens security amid regional escalation |url=https://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/lebanon-news/822656/lebanese-army-tightens-security-amid-regional-escalation/en |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=LBCIV7 |language=en}}</ref>

===2024 Israeli invasion of Lebanon===
{{Main|2024 Israeli invasion of Lebanon}}

On 1 October 2024, [[Israel]] invaded [[Lebanon]] as part of the [[Israel–Hezbollah conflict (2023–present)|Israel–Hezbollah conflict]]. The Lebanese Armed Forces did not enter in direct combat against [[Israel Defense Forces|Israel Defence Forces]], instead retreating to about five kilometres from Lebanon's southern border with Israel.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gebeily |first=Maya |last2=Azhari |first2=Timour |last3=Stewart |first3=Phil |date=2024-10-01 |title=Lebanese troops pull back from border as Israeli ground invasion looms |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/apartment-building-beirut-hit-israel-widens-air-campaign-2024-09-29/ |website=Reuters}}</ref> On December 3, 2024, It was announced that the army will recruitment new soldiers for combat units. The process will continue up until January 3, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lebanese Army announces recruitment of trainee soldiers for combat units |url=https://www.mtv.com.lb/en/News/Local/1527413/lebanese-army-announces-recruitment-of-trainee-soldiers-for-combat-units |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=MTV Lebanon |language=en}}</ref> On December 8, 2024 it was reported that the Lebanese Cabinet approved deployment of forces south of the Litani river.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lebanese Government Approves Army Deployment Plan in South Litani Region as Reconstruction Efforts Accelerate |url=https://english.almanar.com.lb/2285439 |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Al-Manar TV Lebanon |language=en-US}}</ref> On January 7, 2025 units of the Lebanese army began to deploy in Southern Lebanon, following the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Ras Naqoura, [[Aalma ash-Shaab|Alma Al-Shaab]], [[Tayr Harfa]] in [[Tyre, Lebanon|Tyre]], [[Beit Lif]] in [[Bint Jbeil]], and other towns across the western and central sectors. This comes as part of coordinated efforts with the [[United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon|United Nations Interim Force]] in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the committee supervising the ceasefire agreement (Mechanism).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lebanese Army deploys in Ras Naqoura, Alma Al-Shaab, Tayr Harfa in Tyre, Beit Lif in Bint Jbeil |url=https://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/lebanon-news/828886/lebanese-army-deploys-in-ras-naqoura-alma-al-shaab-tayr-harfa-in-tyre/en |access-date=2025-01-07 |website=LBCIV7 |language=en}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Internal Security Forces]]
* [[General Security Directorate (Lebanon)]]
* [[Lebanese State Security|State Security]]
* [[Rangers Sports Events (Lebanon)|Rangers of the Lebanese Army Sports Event]]
* [[Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Lebanon)]]
* [[United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon]]
* [[Hezbollah armed strength]]
* [[Rudolf Haikal]]
* [[Homeland Shield Plan]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons|Military of Lebanon}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20020803172425/http://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/?ln=en Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Official Website]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/lebanon/index.html Lebanon Military Guide from GlobalSecurity.org] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417173239/https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/lebanon/index.html |date=2021-04-17 }}
* [https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/lebanon/ CIA - The World Factbook - Lebanon] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111113708/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/lebanon/ |date=2021-01-11 }}
* [http://www.armyrecognition.com/moyen_orient/Liban/Liban_index_materiel.htm Army Recognition Index of Lebanese Military Equipment] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919184522/https://www.armyrecognition.com/moyen_orient/Liban/Liban_index_materiel.htm |date=2020-09-19 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070927022230/http://www.globalfirepower.com/country_detail.asp?country_id=37 Global Fire Power - Lebanon Military Strength]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080202064112/http://yalibnan.com/site/archives/2007/12/lebanon_army_tr.php Lebanon army trying to rearm and modernize itself]
* [https://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2008/10/26/world/26lebanon_graphic.ready.html Lebanese Military Wish List 2008/2009 - New York Times] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724013156/http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2008/10/26/world/26lebanon_graphic.ready.html |date=2016-07-24 }}
* [https://twitter.com/lebarmyofficial Lebanese army Twitter account] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602075227/https://twitter.com/LebarmyOfficial |date=2021-06-02 }}

{{Lebanon security forces}}
{{Lebanese Armed Forces}}
{{Lebanon topics}}
{{Military of Asia}}
{{Military of the Arab world}}
{{Portal bar|Lebanon}}

[[Category:Military of Lebanon| ]]