General Security Arrests IS-Linked Terror Cell

General Security said on Wednesday that it has arrested a Lebanese and several Syrians on suspicion of belonging to a network linked to the Islamic State extremist group.

The directorate-general of the agency said in a communique that general security officers arrested the Lebanese and four Syrian members of the network for belonging to a terrorist group.

The detainees admitted that they had pledged allegiance to the IS and had formed an armed group under the leadership of another Lebanese man, said the communique.

The suspects told investigators that the network smuggles militants, arms and ammunition to Syria and specializes in manufacturing explosives, suicide vests and booby-trapping cars for the purpose of carrying out attacks on Lebanese army bases, it said.

The communique added that the detainees were referred to the judiciary to take the appropriate action against them.

Later on Wednesday, state-run National News Agency said General Security arrested a Syrian man in the Mount Lebanon town of Hammana on charges of "communicating with terrorist groups."

G.K./Y.R.