A Daesh (ISIS) member plotting an attack in Beirut was arrested by Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces (ISF) on Monday in the Furn El-Chebbak neighborhood.
The arrest was successfully made as part of the ISF’s preemptive security operations to pursue suspects belonging to terrorist organizations. During the arrest, two mobile phones in his possession were seized.
According to a statement issued by the ISF, the 20-year-old Syrian national (M.K.) was spotted monitoring a military post in the Furn El-Chebbak and Ain El-Remmaneh area. He was also seen staking out cafes and pubs in Badaro Street.
M.K., who entered Lebanon illegally in 2017, had also been active on social media following Daesh’s news and posts as well as sharing them with his community.
Around 2 months ago, he was in touch with two Daesh members known as Abu Omar and Abu Al-Khattab. He asked the latter to provide him with an explosive belt, bombs, and military weapons so he can carry out “security work” in the area “for the benefit of the terrorist organization.”
The ISF statement also revealed that he had downloaded instructions on his phone on how to make bombs and explosives from everyday items that can be found at the local supermarkets.
In August, the ISF arrested another 20-year-old Syrian national Gemmayzeh neighborhood. He had confessed to belonging to Daesh and to planning an attack against security forces.
