BEIRUT (AP) – On Wednesday, the Lebanese army reported the killing of three of the country’s most wanted drug dealers who were also implicated in attacks against military personnel. This operation took place in Baalbek, a city located in northeastern Lebanon, which has been a focal point for drug-related activities.

The military operation highlighted the ongoing struggles of the Lebanese army, which is attempting to assert its authority across the nation, particularly along the porous border with Syria. This border has long been a crucial pathway for smuggling activities, including the trafficking of weapons and illegal drugs. Notably, cannabis and the stimulant known as captagon have been commonly smuggled across this area.

According to a statement from the army, the confrontation began during a pursuit of the vehicle utilized by the three Lebanese suspects. This chase led to an exchange of gunfire, resulting in the death of the dealers. The army characterized them as among the most dangerous and wanted individuals within Lebanon's drug trade.

The statement from the military further detailed that those killed had been involved in various serious criminal activities, including shooting at army posts and patrols, alongside charges of kidnapping and theft. Judicial officials revealed that one of the deceased had an astounding 115 arrest warrants against him, with further allegations surrounding his involvement in the kidnapping of a Saudi citizen in Beirut earlier in 2023.

These events construct a critical narrative about the challenges faced by the Lebanese army as it grapples with the dual threats of organized crime and the broader implications of drug trafficking. The army's recent operations not only aim to combat drug-related crime but also to stabilize the region amidst ongoing economic issues and political instability within Lebanon.