The Information Department (Arabic: شعبة المعلومات), commonly known as the Information Branch (Arabic: فرع المعلومات) or the Information (Arabic: المعلومات), is the intelligence unit of the Internal Security Forces Directorate (Arabic: المديرية العامة لقوى الأمن الداخلي). It is mainly tasked with gathering, processing, and analyzing national and military intelligence, counterintelligence,[1][2][3] counterterrorism,[4][5][6][7] criminal investigation,[8][9][10][11][12][13] and espionage.
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | August 6, 1993 |
| Headquarters | Beirut, Lebanon |
| Employees | Classified |
| Annual budget | Classified |
| Agency executives |
|
| Parent department | Internal Security Forces Directorate |
| Website | https://isf.gov.lb/en/article/183/ |
Acting as a counterweight to the Intelligence Directorate of the Lebanese Armed Forces (Arabic: مديرية المخابرات في الجيش اللبناني), it was extensively trained and supplied by the United States, France, and Germany. Having undergone training in the Alps, its Strike Force (Arabic: القوة الضاربة) is equipped with advanced firearms and devices.[14]
Recognized as one of the most powerful intelligence agencies in the Middle East,[15] its executives and officers have been subject to targeted assassinations and assassination attempts.[16]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Lebanon Security Forces Arrest Syrian Collaborator with Israeli Enemy: Recruited Two Brother Army Officers for Mossad – Al-Manar TV Lebanon, 2022, retrieved 28 October 2023
- ^ Lebanon Busts over 15 Israeli Spy Rings: Some Networks Were Collecting Information of Hezbollah – Al-Manar TV Lebanon, 2022, retrieved 28 October 2023
- ^ Lebanese Man Arrested For Working With Israeli Intelligence, 2021, retrieved 28 October 2023
- ^ Information Branch arrests two Syrians for planning terrorist attacks, 2018, retrieved 28 October 2023
- ^ ISF Information Branch arrests IS network, 2016, retrieved 28 October 2023
- ^ Daher: By the Information Branch efforts the real terrorists were unveiled; they are Ali Mamlouk and Michel Samaha's gang, 2023, retrieved 29 October 2023
- ^ ISF Information branch foils ISIS plan to target Army checkpoint, church, 2023, retrieved 4 November 2023
- ^ NNA: ISF Information Branch arrested Lebanese national for being involved in a security incident in Sidon, 2014, retrieved 28 October 2023
- ^ Lebanon: TikTok Europe visa, migration scams target refugees, 2023, retrieved 28 October 2023
- ^ ISF busts international drug smuggling network: Lebanese sheikh arrested in Dahr al-Baidar, 2018, retrieved 28 October 2023
- ^ الوكالة الوطنية للإعلام - Makhzoumi salutes Information Branch, security forces after unveiling truth of Sheikh Al-Rifai's murder, 2023, retrieved 28 October 2023
- ^ Suspects Behind Qabr Shamoun Clash Handed Ove, 2019, retrieved 29 October 2023
- ^ Joint operations between Information Branch, GSF and Iraqi Intelligence result in the release of Kidnapped Lebanese, 2023, retrieved 4 November 2023
- ^ Clash in Ain el Helwe following Army, ISF Information Branch raid, 2014, retrieved 28 October 2023
- ^ Hbeish lauds ISF Information Branch endeavors, 2013, retrieved 28 October 2023
- ^ Al Jazeera Documentary الجزيرة الوثائقية, 2018, retrieved 29 November 2018