Lebanese Army Reports Foiling Two 'Terrorist' Attacks by ISIS

The Lebanese Army announced on Thursday, July 1, that it had thwarted a plot by the Islamic State group to carry out terrorist operations against a major tourist site and a crowded area. This announcement comes just days after five people were killed in four suicide attacks on a Christian village near the Syrian border. According to Lebanon's state news agency, the army's statement said: "The intelligence management of the Lebanese Army foiled two very dangerous terrorist operations by the ISIS terrorist group. These operations were intended to target a major tourist site and a crowded area." The statement added: "Five terrorists, including the mastermind of these operations, have been arrested. They confessed to carrying out terrorist attacks against the army in the past. Investigations are ongoing under judicial supervision." The Islamic State group has called on its supporters to target 'infidels' during Ramadan. Following the four suicide attacks in the village of Al-Qaa near the Syrian border that killed five people, the Lebanese government has increased its security alert due to the potential terrorist threat. Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam has expressed concern over a new wave of terrorist operations. Since the outbreak of the Syrian war, various areas in Lebanon have been targeted by bombings and suicide attacks. The Shiite-populated southern suburbs of Beirut, known as Dahiyeh, have repeatedly been the target of these attacks. Hezbollah militants, who control this area, have participated in the Syrian war to support Bashar al-Assad's regime against its opponents. The Lebanese Army reported that in recent days, it has arrested 400 Syrians, most of whom are suspected of illegal entry into Lebanon or illegal movement within the country. Interior Minister Nohad Machnouk also stated that most of the suicide bombers responsible for the Al-Qaa attacks came from inside Syria, not from Syrian refugee camps.