Riyadh Hails Security Achievements, al-Mashnouq Says 'Situation under Control'

Saudi Interior Minister Prince Mohammed bin Nayef has reportedly held a telephone conversation with his Lebanese counterpart, who stressed that the authorities were taking all measures to thwart terrorist attacks.

As Safir daily said that Prince Mohammed called Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq to discuss with him the latest local and regional developments.

Prince Mohammed “congratulated” al-Mashnouq on the achievements made by Lebanese security agencies, saying “you have made major progress in your ability to thwart suicide bombings.”

The phone conversation comes as Saudi security and intelligence officials are meeting with their Lebanese counterparts over the latest suicide bombing that struck a hotel in Beirut.

The bomber of the Duroy Hotel in Raouche was Saudi. Another accomplice, who is also a Saudi national, is being questioned by the authorities.

The army and security forces have also arrested several individuals on suspicion of plotting attacks.

In remarks to As Safir, al-Mashnouq said that “the security situation is under control.”

“All the necessary measures are being taken to limit the capabilities of the terrorists,” he said.

The Duroy suicide bombing last Wednesday was the third to strike Lebanon in less than a week.

The al-Qaida-inspired Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant claimed responsibility for the attack.

Lebanon has been hit by a wave of attacks over the past year that left scores of people dead.

Previous attacks have been claimed by the al-Qaida-linked group, the Abdullah Azzam Brigades, and the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front.

Both groups have warned that such attacks will continue as long as Hizbullah takes part in Syria's civil war alongside President Bashar Assad's troops.

G.K.

H.K.