Sidon: In a solemn ceremony held late this morning in southern Lebanon, the Sidon Government Serail bid farewell to thirteen members of the State Security Directorate-General who fell as martyrs in an Israeli attack on the Nabatieh Serail while carrying out their national duty.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the formal ceremony organized by the State Security Directorate began with the arrival of the coffins, draped in the Lebanese flag and carried by fellow servicemen to the Serail courtyard. The event was marked by the national anthem and funeral march, with senior officials, military and security representatives, lawmakers, and religious figures attending, alongside the martyrs' families.

State Security Chief Major General Edgar Lawandos paid tribute to the fallen martyrs, describing them as steadfast servicemen who upheld their duty and "never retreated nor compromised on the nation's dignity." He emphasized that their sacrifice would remain a driving force to continue protecting Lebanon and its people.

Lawandos stated, "Our loss is huge, but our consolation is greater because we belong to an institution that yields men who, if duty calls, will respond without hesitation, and if the homeland calls, will sacrifice their lives for it."

Addressing the families of the martyrs, Lawandos remarked: "Your sons are the sons of the entire nation. They raised our heads high and left us a legacy of honor and dignity, and their blood is precious to us. We remain loyal to these sacrifices, and we salute your resilience and value both the institution's trust and yours in it. State Security will remain the family that embraces you and stands by your side, for what unites us is not only belonging but the blood of martyrdom that has brought us together."

Funeral prayers were led by the Mufti of Tyre and Jabal Amel before a large procession escorted the bodies to Haret Sidon, where they were laid to rest. Wreaths were placed on their graves by official representatives, while state medals awarded to the martyrs will be handed to their families at a later time.