Arsal Man Arrested over Ties to Terrorist Groups

Army intelligence agents arrested Thursday Arsal resident F.H.M. On charges of having ties to the terrorist groups that are entrenched in the outskirts of the eastern border town, state-run National News Agency said.

He was referred to the relevant authorities for further investigations, the agency added.

Militants from the rival jihadist groups Islamic State and Fateh al-Sham Front are entrenched in the outskirts of Arsal and other eastern border towns. They overran in Arsal in 2014 before being ousted by the army after days of deadly clashes.

The retreating militants abducted more than 30 Lebanese troops and policemen of whom four have been executed and nine remain in IS' captivity.