Lebanon’s Military Intelligence detained a Syrian national in the Batroun area in the north of the country after monitoring his movements, on suspicion of belonging to Islamic State and receiving assignments to carry out security operations in Lebanon. The most prominent of these, according to what was attributed to his confessions, was planning to assassinate Pope Leo XIV during his visit to Lebanon in 2025.
Suspect monitored and detained in Batroun
Information linked to the investigation said the detention followed intensive monitoring of the suspect since he entered Lebanese territory, before Military Intelligence managed to locate and arrest him in Batroun. Intelligence officers questioned him about his movements, connections and the assignments he is suspected of having received.
According to the information, the detainee admitted during questioning that the leadership of a group based in Syria had been in constant contact with him and had asked him to carry out a number of tasks inside Lebanon aimed at destabilising security and spreading fear among Lebanese people. He was also reported to have said that the most prominent assignment he received was to assassinate Pope Leo XIV during his visit to the country.
Sources familiar with the detention file said the group’s leadership in Syria had asked the suspect to carry out the assassination, but he did not reach the implementation stage because he lacked the necessary capabilities. The sources said the matter remained at the stage of planning and assignment, according to statements he gave during questioning.
Detainee’s links to Islamic State
An informed source said the detainee entered Lebanon unlawfully and continued communicating with Islamic State after his arrival, adding that he held a position of responsibility within the organisation. Military Intelligence continued tracking his movements from the time he arrived in Lebanon until it located and detained him.
Lebanese security agencies are expected to contact their Syrian counterparts to provide them with the information supplied by the detainee about his communications with the organisation and the group based in Syria. The sources confirmed that communication between the security authorities in the two countries is maintained continuously as part of security cooperation and coordination.
After the Military Intelligence investigation is completed, the Lebanese judiciary is expected to receive the detainee’s file in preparation for formally charging him with belonging to an armed terrorist organisation, planning to carry out terrorist acts, and attempting to kill a religious and international figure. The allegations remain attributed to the investigations and informed sources pending the completion of judicial proceedings.
