The Lebanese Armed Forces Commander, General Joseph Aoun, and a number of senior commanding Officers and Commanders of major units and independent regiments attended last week a combat drill with live ammunition in Mazraat Hanouch – Hamat.

The exercise was carried out by third-year Military Academy officer cadets. The drill consisted of attacking and eliminating a terrorist group after it occupied several sensitive points in the region, during which light, medium and heavy weapons, support weapons, helicopters and aircraft were used.

At the end of the drill, General Aoun addressed the cadet officers with a speech in which he commended their performance and the professionalism they showed, the Lebanese Army said in a statement.

“You are the elite of the Army. During the three years of training at the Military Academy, you have proven that you are up to the responsibility, and that you are trustworthy due to the discipline, professionalism, and commitment you have shown. This was evident today during the drill,” General Aoun said.

“The more we train and sweat, the less blood is lost. You will soon graduate as officers and assume your duties in units. You have a long and challenging stage ahead of you, and I am confident that you will live up to the responsibility,” he added.