Dangerous Kidnapper among Several Fugitives Arrested in the Bekaa

Internal Security Forces announced on Saturday arresting “one of the most dangerous fugitives” and seizing several vehicles in the Bekaa, as the security plan continues to be implemented in the region and in the North.

"Ali Khodr Jaafar, also known as Ali al-Shaar, is one of the most dangerous fugitives and is linked to several kidnapping operations,” an ISF communique detailed, noting that the arrest took place during a security operation in the region.

“He collaborated with the gangs of detainees Abbas Jaafar and Ali al-Masri in kidnapping several Lebanese and Arabs for ransom,” the statement said.

Al-Shaar also attacked, along with with Abbas Jaafar's gang, an army patrol in the Bekaa region of Riyaq in 2009, leaving four soldiers dead and an official with severe injuries.

"His attacks against ISF patrols in Baalbek killed several soldiers too,” the ISF statement added.

The detained man is also accused of drug dealing, and of firing gunshots using small and medium-caliber weapons.

"Investigation with the detainee got under way under the supervision of the competent court to uncover his possible involvement in other crimes,” the statement reported.

Also in the Bekaa, security forces seized nine vehicles during its raids of “suspicious sites” in the northeastern town of Arsal.

Six of the confiscated cars were stolen, and three without the necessary legal documents.

The army later announced in a communique that Syrian national Abdul Nabi Roumieh was held in Arsal over "his suspicious his ties with terrorist groups."

And in the Bekaa's Mashghara, H. A. was arrested for firing gunshots and wounding one person.

“H. A. is also wanted on theft charges and for not possessing legal documents,” the army added.

Later in the evening, the state-run National News Agency reported that army troops arrested additional fugitives during the raids in several regions in Baalbek, including the towns of al-Kayyal, al-Sharawina, al-Osseira, Dar al-Wassia, and Iaat.

Meanwhile, Sh. Sh. and two others were detained in Mekse town in the Bekaa on charges of blocking roads and attacking passersby.

Army troops also continued implementing the newly adopted security procedures in the northern city of Tripoli.

Saturday's efforts in the North resulted in the arrest of A. F. in Tripoli's Hara Barranieh area.

A. F. is accused of threatening shop owners in the neighborhood of Bab al-Tabbaneh in disputes that were fueled by sectarian motives.

The Lebanese army had tightened its grip earlier on Saturday on Baalbek's al-Sharawina neighborhood from all sides and carried out raids in search of suspects.

Army units began deploying in the area three days after it kicked off a security plan in the eastern towns of the Bekaa Valley despite reports that top-wanted suspects have fled the area.

On Thursday, the army deployed in the Bekaa Valley at the start of the security plan after armed forces took full control of all checkpoints on the road linking the towns of Arsal and Hermel near the Syrian border.

Hizbullah members used to search cars amid a wave of car bombs that killed scores of people.

A similar security plan has gone into effect in the northern city of Tripoli where scores of suspects have been arrested for their involvement in several rounds of fighting.

S.D.B. / H.K.