Lebanon Expresses Willingness for Joint Investigation with Jordan on Terror Training Issue — Dialogue Between President Aoun and King Abdullah
Beirut: Jordan’s King Abdullah has informed Lebanese President Joseph Aoun about an ongoing investigation into a terrorist cell involved in missile manufacturing that was uncovered in Jordan. Two members of the cell had reportedly been sent to Lebanon for training.
According to President Aoun’s media office, he affirmed Lebanon’s “full cooperation and coordination” on the matter and instructed Justice Minister Adel Nassar to work jointly with his Jordanian counterpart through judicial and security agencies to exchange information and proceed with a coordinated investigation.
A judicial source in Lebanon told Arab News that the military intelligence department is already investigating the terrorist cell but has yet to confirm whether any Lebanese citizens are involved.
The source added that Lebanon has requested access to Jordan’s investigation data in order to use it for its own probe. If any Lebanese nationals are found to be involved, they will be prosecuted under Lebanon’s judicial system.
Arrests in Southern Lebanon Related to Arms Smuggling
Meanwhile, in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon, military intelligence arrested two Palestinians allegedly involved in arms trafficking and smuggling across the Lebanon-Syria border. Weapons and military-grade ammunition were reportedly recovered from them.
The army command stated that investigations are underway and are proceeding under judicial supervision.
Media outlets have reported that the two detainees are members of the security wing of Hamas in Sidon. However, no official security agency has confirmed any connection between these arrests and the terrorist cell in Jordan.
According to Jordan News Agency, a "series of conspiracies against national security" were thwarted, leading to the arrest of 16 suspects.
The investigation revealed efforts to produce missiles using both local and imported materials, manufacture explosives and weapons, develop drone technologies, and arrange training sessions both domestically and abroad.
As per confessions obtained during the probe, two members of the network — Abdullah Hisham and Muath Al-Ghanem — were sent to Lebanon to coordinate with a high-ranking member of an organization and to receive training.
In December, the Lebanese army began a campaign to disarm Palestinian militant factions operating outside of refugee camps. These groups, many of which supported the former Syrian regime, were primarily active in the Bekaa Valley and along southern border regions.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam expressed solidarity with Jordan, stating, “Lebanon stands fully aligned with Jordan against any conspiracy that threatens its security and stability.”
Speaking at the inauguration of the Beirut Airport Road Development Project, the Prime Minister added that the government is working with Defense Minister Michel Menassa and Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjari to ensure the road's security.
In the last 48 hours, Beirut Municipality has started removing political banners, flags, and posters—particularly those associated with Hezbollah—from city streets.
