The Lebanese Army Intelligence Directorate has confirmed the arrest of a high-ranking Al Qaeda member in northern Lebanon.
The statement, while withholding the suspect's identity, revealed on Saturday that the apprehension took place in Deir Ammar, a town in the northern region, following an extensive security operation.
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The detained individual played a pivotal role in establishing the terrorist organisation known as Fatah Al Islam, which maintained ties with Al Qaeda and operated within Lebanon more than 10 years ago, Xinhua news agency reported.
He also assumed a significant role in the emergence of the Islamic State and the al-Nusra Front, the statement said, adding that investigations are ongoing with the detainees under the supervision of "competent judiciary bodies".
Indo-Asian News Service