Three Syrians Arrested in Akkar for Supporting ISIL

Three Syrians were arrested in the northern region of Akkar on Thursday for supporting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, reported the National News Agency.

It said that security forces arrested the suspects at the Shadra checkpoint for having photographs of ISIL on their mobile phones.

They were identified as Mohammed Khaled Khodr al-Rikab, Berri Ahmed Ezzo, and Khaled Mohammed Mareid.

Maps of undisclosed locations were also found on their phones.

Various buildings, including churches, had in recent months been vandalized by Islamic State slogans in Akkar.

Security forces have lately upped their measures against suspected members of terrorist groups, carrying out raids throughout Lebanon, especially against Syrian refugee encampments.

They have intensified their efforts in light of clashes in August between the army and Islamists from Syria who overran the northeastern border town of Arsal.

Several suspects have been arrested.

Last month, clashes erupted between the army and Islamist gunmen in the Akkar town of Bhannine and the northern city of Tripoli.

M.T.

G.K.