The Lebanese Armed Forces Commander, General Rodolph Haykal, visited the United Kingdom after an official invitation from his British counterpart, Admiral Tony Radakin, and participated in the ninth annual meeting of the Dragon Group, held on August 4 and 5, 2025 (photo).
Several military leaders from Gulf and Middle Eastern countries attended the meeting. This is the first time the meeting has been held with the participation of the Lebanese Armed Forces Commander.
Discussions focused on regional and international security challenges. A meeting was also held between General Haykal and Admiral Radakin, where they explored ways to enhance cooperation amidst the current exceptional circumstances, the Lebanese Army said in a statement.
Earlier this month, and on the occasion of the 80th Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Day, General Rodolph Haykal toured several deployed units and their affiliated posts in the South, Bekaa, North, and Beirut on August 1, 2025.
The tour began at the Nabi Ouwaida Hill post - Adayseh, a border position belonging to the 5th Intervention Regiment in the South, where he inspected fortifications and newly established facilities supported by the United Kingdom. He also visited the Al Omra border post in Marjaayoun, affiliated with the 7th Infantry Brigade, where he met with officers and soldiers and extended his congratulations on LAF Day.
General Haykal praised their efforts to effectively expand deployment in the South Litani sector in line with the directives of the political authorities and their cooperation with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), amid persistent Israeli violations against Lebanon.
He emphasized the importance of loyalty to the nation and the military institution, highlighting its role as a guarantor for all Lebanese, regardless of affiliation or background. He further noted that the LAF has sacrificed many martyrs and wounded and will remain steadfast and rooted in the land in the face of Israeli aggression.
General Haykal proceeded to the Bekaa region, where he inspected the headquarters of the 6th Intervention Regiment in Rayak. Addressing the soldiers, he affirmed that the LAF remains strong and the nation endures thanks to their unwavering efforts and sacrifices to uphold the authority of the state, despite the difficult circumstances they face.
He then visited the Talet Al Mantar border post - Nahle Highlands (Baalbek), under the command of the 4th Land Border Regiment, as well as the Dababiyeh border post in Akkar, affiliated with the 2nd Infantry Brigade. He stressed that monitoring and securing Lebanon’s northern and eastern borders, and controlling smuggling operations, are critical to the security of both Lebanon and Syria.
Later, General Haykal toured the headquarters of the 3rd Intervention Regiment in the Riviera area of Beirut, where he was briefed on the missions carried out within the regiment’s area of operations, particularly in maintaining internal security and combating terrorism and organized crime.
The LAF Commander, accompanied by his spouse, visited several families of fallen soldiers on the occasion of LAF Martyrs’ Day, in the towns of Deir Qanoun Ras El Ain - Tyre, Al Borjen - Chouf, and Nabay - Matn. He expressed his pride in the sacrifices made by the martyrs and their comrades, affirming that the LAF Command deeply values the families of the fallen and stands by them in all circumstances.
