Internal Security Forces

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This article is about the Lebanese security force. For Iraqi football club that once played under the name 'Internal Security Forces', see Al-Shorta SC.
Internal Security Forces
قوى الأمن الداخلي
File:Lebanese ISF Logo.jpg
Active1860–present
CountryLebanon
BranchLebanese Armed Forces
TypeMilitary Gendarmerie
RolePreservation of Public Order, Security, Counter-terrorism, Intelligence, and Traffic Order
Size40,000+
Garrison/HQBeirut
Nickname(s)ISF
Motto(s)Security for the Nation and Civilians
Engagements2007 Lebanon conflict
Battle of Sidon
Battle of Arsal
North Lebanon clashes (2014)
Websiteisf.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, romanized: 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 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.

Equipment

Pistols

Brand Origin Versions Photos
Glock  Austria
Browning Hi-Power  Belgium

Assault Rifles

Brand Origin Versions Photos
M4 carbine[9][10]  United States SOPMOD
M16 rifle[11][12]  United States A1, A2, A4
AK-47  Soviet Union
Heckler & Koch G36[13]  Germany C3
Heckler & Koch G3  Germany
SIG SG 540[14]  Switzerland File:SG 540 Manurhin.jpg
FN FAL  Belgium

Submachine Guns/Personal Defense Weapons

Brand Origin Type Photos
Heckler & Koch MP5  Germany Submachine Gun
FN P90[15]  Belgium Personal Defense Weapon
Heckler & Koch UMP  Germany Submachine Gun
AKS-47U  Russia Submachine Gun

Sniper Rifles

Brand Origin Versions Photos
M24  United States
Steyr SSG 69  Austria
FR F1  France

Machine Guns

Brand Origin Versions Photos
M2 Browning  United States
FN MAG  Belgium
FN MINIMI  Belgium
Rheinmetall MG 3  Germany
Heckler & Koch MG4  Germany

Vehicle

Brand Origin Type Photos
Dodge Charger (LX)  United States
Nissan Patrol  Japan
Nissan Pathfinder  Japan
Toyota Tacoma  Japan
Chevrolet Tahoe  United States
Dodge Durango  United States
Ford F-Series  United States

Armored Fighting Vehicles

Model Versions Origin In Service Notes Photos
Iveco LMV  Italy 24
VBTP-MR Guarani  Italy 10
KMW Grizzly  Italy 5 File:Grizzly er.jpg
VAB regular/Mark II  France
Renault Sherpa 2  France +15

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]
  6. ^ New radar: More than 67,000 tickets for speeding in two months
  7. ^ GIGN: Visit of a delegation of French security in Lebanon
  8. ^ http://www.isf.gov.lb/English/LeftMenu/General%20Info/Organization/Pages/Organization.aspx
  9. ^ Christopher J. Castelli (September 2008). "Department of Defense to equip Lebanon's Special Forces with Small Arms, Vehicles" (PDF). DISAM Journal. Retrieved 2009-02-08.
  10. ^ Daniel Watters. "The 5.56 X 45mm: 2008". The Gun Zone. Archived from the original on 2010-01-04. Retrieved 2009-01-27. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ "Report: Profiling the Small Arms Industry – World Policy Institute – Research Project". World Policy Institute. November 2000. Retrieved 2010-07-15.
  12. ^ McNab, Chris (2002). 20th Century Military Uniforms (2nd ed.). Kent: Grange Books. ISBN 1-84013-476-3.
  13. ^ "Lebanese Official Gazette (issues 2008)". Lebanese Official Gazette. Lebanese Government. {{cite web}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)[page needed]
  14. ^ Cite error: The named reference jones2009 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  15. ^ Thomas Smith Jr., W. (October 10, 2007). "Black-Masked Commandos Training By The Sea". National Review. Archived from the original on July 14, 2011. Retrieved September 18, 2009. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

External links

Military offices
Preceded by
Roger Salem
 Ibrahim Basbouss Succeeded by
Incumbent
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