Strict Security Measures at Ain el-Hilweh in Search for Mawlawi, Fugitives
The Palestinian Liaison Committee implemented strict security measures on Thursday at the southern Ain el-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in search for Islamist fugitive Shadi al-Mawlawi.
The endeavors come a day after the Lebanese Army Intelligence in south Lebanon, Brig. Gen. Ali Shahrour, urged Palestinian leaders at the camp to hand over fugitives, including Mawlawi, and assume their responsibilities in this regard.
An Nahar newspaper reported earlier on Thursday that Shahrour informed a delegation from the Palestinian Liaison Committee that several wanted suspects linked to terrorist cases are taking the camp as a refuge, demanding Palestinians to hand them over to the army.
Media reports recently said that Mawlawi has entered Ain el-Hilweh, days after singer turned fugitive Islamist Fadel Shaker said he is residing at the camp.
Shaker had fled justice more than a year ago following bloody incidents that erupted in June 2013 in Abra, between the army and supporters of Salafist cleric Sheikh Ahmed al-Asir.
Sidon’s clashes were the most intense bouts of violence in Lebanon linked to the conflict in Syria, and have resulted in the death of at least 16 troops.
Shahrour warned Palestinians' that Mawlawi could carry out endeavors to shake up the security situation at the camp.
“State security agencies will not accept more than the Palestinians full cooperation,” Shahrour said.
The delegation reportedly stressed to the high-ranking military official that the fugitives will be handed over if they was evidence they are residing at the camp.
Media reports said that Mawlawi fled Bab al-Tabbaneh neighborhood in the northern city of Tripoli earlier this month after clashes with the army and took the southern camp as a refuge to prepare for a security operation in cooperation with wanted Sheikh al-Asir, who is also hiding there.
Al-Asir had gone into hiding following deadly clashes between his supporters and the army near Sidon in June last year.
Mawlawi has been charged with belonging to an armed terrorist group in order to stage terrorist acts, and holing up at a Tripoli mosque with the aim of preparing bombs and explosive devices to target Lebanese troops in the area.
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