Imad Jomaa, 42 Others Charged with Belonging to Terrorist Groups

State Commissioner to the Military Court Judge Saqr Saqr charged on Thursday 43 Syrians for belonging to armed terrorist groups, reported the National News Agency.

The suspects include Imad Ahmed Jomaa, whose arrest sparked clashes on August 2 between the army and Islamist gunmen in the northeastern border town of Arsal.

Ten of the suspects are in detention, while the rest are at large, added NNA.

They include the “emirs” of battle fronts in Syria and commanders of brigades, particularly in the Syrian town of al-Qalamoun.

They have also been charged with seeking to carry out terrorist attacks, seizing control of Lebanese territories in order to set up their own emirate, killing soldiers and civilians, sabotaging military vehicles, and damaging public and private property.

The suspects may face the death penalty if convicted.

Saqr referred their case to First Military Examining Magistrate Judge Abu Ghida.

Several soldiers were killed and wounded in the Arsal clashes that ended on August 7.

The Islamists withdrew from the town, abducting with them a number of troops and security forces.

Negotiations are ongoing with them to ensure their safe release.

Media reports have said that the gunmen are seeking to exchange the captives for Islamists detained in Roumieh Prison.

LBCI television later reported that the Muslim Scholars Committee delegation, tasked with negotiating the release of the captives, was informed by a mediator that the al-Nusra Front was irritated by Saqr's charges, threatening to halt the talks.

M.T.

H.K.