President Michel Aoun on Wednesday hailed the Lebanese Army over its recent victory in the eastern border region against the terrorist Islamic State group.

The military institution is “the strength of the Lebanese nation, people and land, especially during this difficult period in our history,” said Aoun in an army booklet demonstrating the events and results of Operation Dawn of Hills. The booklet was distributed during a military parade marking Lebanon's Independence Day.

“You are the guardians of the country's sovereignty, freedom and independence. You are protecting them through your blood, heroism and sacrifices and also through your attachment to your people. You are the people's security valve and the source of their reassurance,” Aoun added, addressing the army.

“Through your latest victories in the hills, you have proved that not only through arms and equipment armies triumph, but also through resolve, faith, professionalism and courage,” the president went on to say.