The Lebanese Army has intensified its crackdown on election-related violence, arresting 86 individuals for firing weapons during the latest round of municipal elections in the governorates of North Lebanon and Akkar, the Army Command announced on Friday.

In a statement, the Army Command said those arrested were found in possession of military-grade weapons and ammunition. It stressed that operations to track down and detain all individuals involved in such acts remain ongoing across the country.

"The Army Command will not tolerate any violations and will continue pursuing those responsible," the statement read, warning citizens against celebratory or random gunfire, which it described as a serious threat to public safety. Offenders, it added, will face legal consequences.

As part of its security plan, the Army announced the suspension of all firearms permits in the governorates of Beirut, Bekaa, and Baalbek-Hermel from May 17 to May 20.

Ahead of the third phase of municipal and local elections, scheduled for Sunday, May 18, military units have already begun rolling out heightened security measures in Beirut and the Bekaa Valley. The precautions include the establishment of temporary checkpoints and stepped-up patrols, carried out in coordination with other security agencies, to prevent unrest and ensure a safe voting environment.

The Army Command called on citizens to fully cooperate with security forces, emphasizing that the measures are in place to safeguard voters and uphold a peaceful, democratic process.

It also encouraged the public to report any activity or threats to public order by contacting the nearest military post or calling the Army’s operations room at 117.