Beirut: Lebanese Army Command's Orientation Directorate issued the following communique this evening: "On June 26, 2025, while an army unit, supported by a patrol from the Intelligence Directorate, was pursuing the citizen (M.N.) while he was smuggling a quantity of drugs, weapons, and ammunition using a pickup truck near the Lebanese-Syrian border in the Sherbin-Hermel area, the latter opened fire at the patrol members, who responded in kind. This resulted in the vehicle catching fire and the ammunition inside exploding, in addition to a fire breaking-out at the scene that the Civil Defense teams worked to extinguish. Follow-up is underway to arrest the wanted individual."
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the incident occurred near the Sherbin-Hermel area at the Lebanese-Syrian border, a region often scrutinized for smuggling activities. The exchange of gunfire led to the suspect's vehicle igniting and causing an explosion due to the ammunition stored inside. The Civil Defense teams were dispatched to control and extinguish the fire that ensued.
The situation remains under investigation, with the Lebanese Army actively pursuing the suspect, identified only by his initials (M.N.). Efforts are being made to apprehend him promptly to prevent further illicit activities and ensure border security.