National Defense Minister, Yacoub Riyad Sarraf, on Tuesday congratulated the Lebanese on Independence Day, urging them to rally around state institutions and army and to place the country's supreme interests above any other consideration.

Minister Sarraf hailed the Lebanese army's great achievement in liberating the Lebanese outskirts from terrorists, paying tribute to the fallen martyrs who consecrated such a significant triumph.

Sarraf stressed that there would no leniency with any security violator.

The Minister noted that Lebanon is currently passing through a critical situation that necessitates cementing national ranks and rallying around the military institution, which constitutes the prime guarantor of our stability and security.

Source: NNA