Wanted Jordanian Suspect Traveling from Syria's Yabrud Arrested in Arsal

The Internal Security Forces announced on Friday the arrest of a wanted Jordanian, who has entered Lebanon from Syria, in the eastern region of the Bekaa.

It said that the suspect, M.A., was arrested in the town of Arsal after entering the country from the Syrian city of Yabrud.

It did not disclose the charges he is wanted for.

Security forces in Arsal had also seized on Wednesday and Thursday nine vehicles, some of which were stolen and others did not have proper registration papers.

Earlier, the army announced the arrest of a wanted Bekaa gang member.

It identified the suspect as Merhej Mohammed Jaafar, a member of the so-called Mohammed Dawra gang.

He is wanted for the hold up of a Syrian bus in the Tall al-Abyad region in the Bekaa region of Baalbek, which took place on January 9.

He, along with his accomplices, then robbed the passengers of around L.L. 25 million.

Jaafar is also wanted for opening fire at people in the Bekaa town of Younine.

The army on Thursday had arrested ten Syrians in Arsal for entering Lebanon with fake identification papers.

It also arrested three others in the same town.

One of the suspects possessed a belt carrying 3.5 kilograms of explosives.

These arrests are part of the ongoing security plan implemented in the northern city of Tripoli and the Bekaa region.

There are reportedly over a thousand suspects at large in the area.

Arsal lies 12 kilometers from the border with Syria and has been used as a conduit for weapons and rebels to enter Syria, while also serving as a refuge for people fleeing the conflict.

M.T.

S.D.B.