The funeral of former Director General of the Internal Security Forces, Major General Omar Makhzoumi, was held following the afternoon prayer today at Al-Basta Al-Tahta Mosque in Beirut, in a solemn ceremony attended by official representatives, members of the public, and security officials.

The funeral prayer was led by the Grand Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian. Those in attendance included the deceased’s nephew, MP Fouad Makhzoumi; Brigadier General Mohammed Fahmi, representing the Minister of Interior and Municipalities; Internal Security Forces Director General Major General Imad Othman; Beirut Police Chief Brigadier General Mohammed Al-Ayyoubi, accompanied by a delegation of officers from the Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces; a delegation from the Army Command representing Army Commander General Joseph Aoun; a delegation from General Security representing its Director General, Major General Abbas Ibrahim; Judge Nadim Zwayn; Consul Salem Baydoun; and members of the deceased’s family, alongside political, social, media, military, and religious figures.

A band from the Internal Security Forces’ music unit received the coffin with a funeral march, followed by the Lebanese national anthem. After the prayer, the coffin, draped in the Lebanese flag, was carried on the shoulders of several Internal Security Forces personnel to Bashoura Cemetery, where the band rendered a salute to the deceased.

Makhzoumi and members of the family received condolences in the cemetery courtyard following the burial. Grand Mufti Derian and a number of sheikhs from Dar al-Fatwa who had participated in the burial ceremony were also present.

Abla

Colonel Ahmad Abla, commander of the Investigation Detachment of the Beirut Police Unit, delivered a eulogy on behalf of the Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces. He said:

“Dear departed Major General, you were a successful, decisive commander who was devoted to your institution, leaving behind an enduring national and humanitarian legacy. You were a courageous officer and an exemplary leader, particularly as you witnessed the difficult periods our country, Lebanon, went through and endured the painful circumstances in which the Internal Security Forces faced its greatest challenges.

“You were a role model for officers and personnel alike. In addition to your impartiality and military discipline, you possessed the human qualities necessary to serve people and look after their affairs with a commitment to both the law and ethical principles. These noble values shaped your image as a good father and a devoted head of family. Your achievements at work, as well as within your family, stand as testimony to a man who knew how to succeed in difficult times.”

Abla then read a brief biography of the late Major General, stating:

“The late Major General volunteered to join the Military Academy as an officer cadet on January 1, 1950, and was promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant on September 21, 1954. On November 10, 1956, he joined the Internal Security Forces and advanced through the ranks until he was promoted to Major General on October 7, 1987. He continued to serve as Director General of the Internal Security Forces until 1990, when he was discharged from service.

“The late Major General received the following decorations:

• The Commemorative Medal; the National Order of the Cedar in the ranks of Knight, Officer, and Commander; and the Lebanese Order of Merit in the Bronze, Third, Second, and First Classes.

• The Medal of Merit; the War Medal with the Bronze Star; the rank of Commander of the Order of Honour from the President of the Republic of Haiti; and several commendations issued by unit commanders.”

Abla concluded:

“At this sorrowful moment, we must pay tribute to the city of Beirut, which he loved and which loved him, and which has never failed to offer distinguished national figures, martyrs, and leaders to serve the homeland in general and the Internal Security Forces in particular.

“Major General Omar Makhzoumi, may God forgive you and honour you among His chosen servants. May your family and the Internal Security Forces find comfort, patience, and solace in this time of grief.”