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 Ibrahim Basbouss
Notable
commanders
Cpt. Wissam Eid  
Brig. Gen. Wissam al-Hassan  

The Internal Security Forces – ISF (Arabic: المديرية العامة لقوى الأمن الداخلي | al-Mudiriyya al-'aamma li-Qiwa al-Amn al-Dakhili) or Forces de Sécurité Intérieure (FSI) in French, are 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. ISF main opponents are Al-Qaeda and ISIS.

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

Missions

Their missions include :

Organization[7]

Ministry of the interior

Elite Force

An elite brigade was established after the 2007 conflict, which is regarded as the most advanced, well trained force in Lebanon, known as the Panthers (Al Fouhoud). 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 securing 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 that use FN P90, AK-47s and M16 rifles. M113, VAB armored personnel carriers are also in their use. Uniforms are a Brown/Maroon beret, most of the Fouhouds wear full black outfits with black helmets and goggles.

See also

References

External links

Military offices
Preceded by
Roger Salem
Ibrahim Basbouss Succeeded by
Incumbent
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 1/6/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.