In a major coordinated effort, the joint operations team of the Anti-Poaching Unit , in close cooperation and coordination with the Bekaa Intelligence Division of the Internal Security Forces, carried out a series of specialized field missions over the past days. These missions, supported by wide information exchange and meticulous planning, resulted in the removal of approximately 7,975 meters of mass-killing nets used for illegal bird hunting across multiple areas of Northern Bekaa, including Al-Qaa, Mashari‘ Al-Qaa, Arsal, Jbouleh, Al-Jdeideh, and Masa.
During the operations, a large number of birds trapped in the nets were freed, while hundreds of dead birds were documented as victims of this form of mass poaching. The teams also confiscated electronic calling devices, batteries, cables, and solar panels used to power those devices. The relevant authorities have referred the case to the competent judiciary to ensure that appropriate legal action is taken against those responsible.
This mission represents the largest net removal operation ever conducted in Lebanon, made possible thanks to the precise coordination and firm commitment of the Bekaa Intelligence Division, whose officers demonstrated exceptional professionalism and operational expertise.
Assad Serhal, Director General of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), stated:
“This unprecedented operation is a powerful example of how close collaboration between civil society and law enforcement can yield tangible results for wildlife conservation. Illegal hunting not only threatens Lebanon’s biodiversity but also undermines our reputation as a key country along one of the world’s most important migratory bird routes.”
The Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) continues to intensify its field efforts across Lebanon to detect and dismantle illegal hunting sites, safeguard migratory species, and raise public awareness on responsible hunting and the enforcement of wildlife protection laws.
About the Anti-Poaching Unit (APU)
The APU is jointly managed by the Middle East Center for Sustainable Hunting (MESHC) and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), with support from the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, in collaboration with BirdLife International and the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS).
All operations are carried out in close coordination with Lebanese authorities, including the Internal Security Forces, the Intelligence and Information Divisions, and Military Intelligence.
The APU’s work contributes to the implementation of BioConnect, a 45-month EU-funded initiative that enhances biodiversity protection and cross-sectoral cooperation in Lebanon.
