Internal Security Forces

Internal Security Forces
قوى الأمن الداخلي
Active 1860–present
Country Lebanon
Branch Lebanese Armed Forces
Type Military Gendarmerie
Role Preservation of Public Order, Security, Counter-terrorism, Intelligence, and Traffic Order
Size 40,000+
Garrison/HQ Beirut
Nickname(s) ISF
Motto(s) Security for the Nation and Civilians
Engagements 2007 Lebanon conflict
Battle of Sidon
Battle of Arsal
North Lebanon clashes (2014)
Website isf.gov.lb
Commanders
Current
commander		 Major General Imad Othman
Notable
commanders		 Cpt. Wissam Eid  †
Brig. Gen. Wissam al-Hassan  †

The Internal Security Forces Directorate (Arabic: المديرية العامة لقوى الأمن الداخلي‎, translit. al-Mudiriyya al-'aamma li-Qiwa al-Amn al-Dakhili; French: Forces de Sécurité Intérieure; abbreviated ISF) is the national police and security force of Lebanon.

Modern police were established in Lebanon in 1861, with creation of the Gendarmerie.[1] In April 2005, Ashraf Rifi became head of the ISF, replacing Ali Hajj.[2] Rifi then started to recruit younger members to become part of Lebanese Intelligence. His term ended in April 2013, and he was replaced by Roger Salem,[3] and Ibrahim Basbouss subsequently. On March 8, 2017, the Lebanese Cabinet appointed Imad Othman director-general of the ISF. He took command the following day.[4]

The number of personnel reached 30,000 people by 2000 and has grown to over 40,000 by 2013.

Missions

Their missions include :

Organization[8]

Ministry of the interior

  • Inspector-General
  • Directorate General of Internal Security Forces
    • Staff
    • Territorial Gendarmerie
    • Mobile Gendarmerie
    • Judicial Police
    • Central Administration
    • Beirut Police
    • ISF Institute
    • Social Services
    • Commander of the Security of Embassies and Public Administration

Elite Force

An elite brigade known as the Panthers (Al Fouhoud) was established after the 2007 conflict. Regarded as the most advanced, well trained force in Lebanon, the number of ISF personnel in this rank is kept secret and unknown to both the public and international community. They are mostly engaged in the securing of hostages, SWAT team raids, and fighting terrorists. The Panthers use M4 Carbine, Heckler & Koch G36, and M24 Sniper Weapon System unlike the regular ISF personnel who use FN P90, AK-47s, and M16 rifles. M113, VAB, ivecoLMV, and VBTP-GUARANI armored personnel carriers are also in their use. Uniforms are a Brown/Maroon beret, and most of the Fouhouds wear full black outfits with black helmets and goggles.

Current Director

  • Imad Othman, Major-General, General Director of the Internal Security Forces

Former Directors[9]

  • Ibrahim Basbous, Major-General, General Director of the Internal Security Forces from 2013 to 2017
  • Achraf Rifi, Major-General, General Director of the Internal Security Forces from 2005 to 2013
  • Ali El Hajj, Major-General, General Director of the Internal Security Forces from 2004 to 2005
  • Marouan Zein, Major-General, General Director of the Internal Security Forces from 2001 to 2004
  • Abed El Karim Ibrahim, Major-General, General Director of the Internal Security Forces from 1998 to 2001
  • Rafic El Hassan, Major-General, General Director of the Internal Security Forces from 1993 to 1998
  • Ibrahim Basbous, Major-General, General Director of the Internal Security Forces from 2013 to 2017
  • Mohammad Salim Kobrosly, Major-General, General Director of the Internal Security Forces from 1990 to 1993
  • Omar Makhzoumi, Major-General, General Director of the Internal Security Forces from 1987 to 1990
  • Osman Osman, Major-General, General Director of the Internal Security Forces from 1983 to 1987
  • Hicham El Chaar, Civilian, General Director of the Internal Security Forces from 1982 to 1983
  • Ahmad El Hajj, Major-General (Army), General Director of the Internal Security Forces from 1977 to 1982
  • Hicham El Chaar, Civilian, General Director of the Internal Security Forces from 1971 to 1977
  • Mahmoud Hafez, Civilian, General Director of the Internal Security Forces from 1970 to 1971
  • Mahmoud El Banna , Civilian, General Director of the Internal Security Forces from 1964 to 1970
  • Jamil El Hosami, Leader (Army), General Director of the Internal Security Forces from 1962 to 1964
  • Nour Eddin Al Rifai, Leader, General Director of the Internal Security Forces from 1959 to 1962



See also

References

  1. ↑ "Historical overview". Interior Security Forces (Lebanon). Retrieved 26 June 2007.
  2. ↑ "Lebanese security chiefs replaced". BBC. 28 April 2005. Retrieved 26 June 2007.
  3. ↑ "Rifi hands over police helm to Salem". The Daily Star. 30 March 2013. Retrieved 4 April 2013.
  4. ↑ "Machnouk oversees Internal Security Forces director-general handover". The Daily Star Newspaper - Lebanon. 2017-03-09. Retrieved 2017-03-09.
  5. ↑ "The EU helps the Internal Security Forces to strengthen the rule of law in Lebanon [archive]". Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 3 November 2017.
  6. ↑ "Nouveaux radars : Plus de 67.000 contraventions pour excès de vitesse en deux mois - B.B." 7 January 2011. Retrieved 3 November 2017.
  7. ↑ nationale, Gendarmerie. "GIGN: Visite d'une délégation de sécurité française au Liban". Retrieved 3 November 2017.
  8. ↑ http://www.isf.gov.lb/English/LeftMenu/General%20Info/Organization/Pages/Organization.aspx
  9. ↑ "Lebanese Internal Security - about". http://www.isf.gov.lb. Retrieved 2016-09-13. External link in |website= (help)
Military offices
Preceded by
Roger Salem		 Ibrahim Basbouss Succeeded by
Imad Othman
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