Lebanese prime minister vows full control of Beirut, restricting arms to state forces

Lebanese prime minister vows full control of Beirut, restricting arms to state forces Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has said his government will take full control of the Beirut Governorate, which includes the capital, and restrict arms to "the legitimate forces alone". In a post on X, Salam said the move was intended to “safeguard the safety, security, and property of citizens”. He said the decision is “irrevocable and will be strictly enforced”. He also said the decision was confirmed on Friday to Beirut's parliamentary representatives. قرار الحكومة المتعلق بالتشدد في بسط سيطرة الدولة الكاملة على محافظة بيروت، وحصر السلاح فيها بالقوى الشرعية وحدها، حفاظًا على سلامة المواطنين وأمنهم وممتلكاتهم، والصادر في التاسع من هذا الشهر، لا رجوع عنه وسوف نتشدد بتطبيقه. هذا ما أكدته اليوم لنواب بيروت الممثلين للقاء الذي انعقد… pic.twitter.com/5XXm27QaKs — Nawaf Salam نواف سلام (@nawafsalam) April 17, 2026