Hikkel: Attempts to undermine army morale fail... We will not break!

Commander of the Army General Rudolph Hikkel inspected the Marine Corps Battalion at Ghassan Raman Barracks in Romiah - Mount Lebanon, reviewing the unit's readiness.

During his meeting with officers and soldiers, Hikkel stressed "continuing specialized training in special units and their essential role through precise and exceptional missions," affirming that "the main reasons for the army's strength in facing major challenges, foremost among them the ongoing attacks and escalation by the Israeli occupation, are the cohesion of military personnel, their steadfastness, the strength of their commitment to the institution, and their loyalty to it."

Addressing the soldiers, he said: "Staying loyal to the army is a shared trait among all Lebanese, regardless of their affiliations, as they see the army as their salvation, due to their trust in you and appreciation of your sacrifices across Lebanon, and the army will remain the solution no matter how divergent the factions may be."

He noted that "attempts to undermine army morale through rumors and false accusations are doomed to fail and will not affect the will of our soldiers," stating that "our homeland is our extended family, and we will bring it to safety because it deserves every effort and sacrifice from us. Standing firm against every storm without compromise is our greatest challenge. We will not break, nor deviate from our principles, and our duty is to protect all Lebanese and ensure stability despite rising criticism tied to narrow interests."

He emphasized that "thanks to the sacrifices of its martyrs, wounded, and the determination of its soldiers, the army has embodied a model of resilience and steadfastness, proving its ability to face the toughest conditions and continue fulfilling its national duties despite escalating challenges, even under circumstances that would overwhelm even the strongest armies."

He called on soldiers to "continue the path of service and sacrifice, remain committed to their creed and faith in their mission, so that the army remains worthy of its national responsibilities."