Mashnouq Says Mawlawi in Ain el-Hilweh, Negates Previous Comments on his Whereabouts

Top fugitive Islamist Shadi al-Mawlawi is still taking refuge in the southern Palestinian refugee camp of Ain al-Hilweh, Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq revealed, despite previous confirmation that the most-wanted suspect fled to the northeastern border town of Arsal and joined al-Nusra Front ranks.

“My previous confirmation relied on a security report” I obtained, Mashnouq said in comments published in al-Akhbar newspaper on Tuesday.

Security sources wondered about the side behind the security report that misled the interior minister.

Mawlawi reportedly moved to a neighborhood within the Tahtani street, where a number of fugitives, including Salafist cleric Sheikh Ahmed al-Asir's supporters and several others are taking refuge.

Media reports said recently that Mawlawi fled the camp disguised in women clothes and using fake identification papers, the same way he entered it in November.

Mawlawi disappeared from the northern city of Tripoli following gunbattles between his followers and the Lebanese army in October.

Mawlawi and his top wanted accomplice fugitive Osama Mansour are reportedly planning attacks across Lebanon and recruiting jihadists.

According to al-Akhbar newspaper, Mawlawi's wife, who is also residing in Ain el-Hilweh, is 9-month pregnant and due to deliver soon.

She had recently arrived in the camp along with her four-year-old son, al-Akhbar said.

H.K.

G.K.