Security Official Plays Down Claims on Tripoli Terror Plot

A high-ranking security official played down claims by an al-Nusra Front leader that the Islamic State extremist group is plotting a terrorist attack in the northern city of Tripoli.

The official, who was not identified, told pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat published Tuesday that security forces have not received any such information.

“The claim is only aimed at worrying the people,” he said.

“There is nothing to worry about either during the month of Ramadan or during any other day,” the official stressed. “The security situation is under control in the North in general and particularly in Tripoli.”

The city has been cleared of suspects that were creating chaos a year ago, he said.

On Monday, As Safir daily reported that al-Nusra Front official known as Abou Mohammed Saleh al-Hamwi claimed on twitter that the IS is planning for “a huge operation against the Lebanese army” in Tripoli at the start of the holy month of Ramadan.

He stressed he had information that the attack would be carried out by the Iraqi Abu Qatada who has entered Lebanon from the Syrian province of Raqqa and has activated some sleepers cells in the North.

Despite appeasing fears on the reported plot, the official told Asharq al-Awsat that “the danger of terrorism is present in any region.”

“That's why the army and security agencies are on the ground,” he said.

In remarks to al-Joumhouria daily, well-informed security sources also played down fears on the alleged Tripoli plot.

They said “preventive measures” have been taken by the army and security apparatuses to eliminate such scenarios.