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Lebanon Arrests 'Terrorist Network'

Thursday, May 15, 2003
(7:03 AM)
From the International Desk

BEIRUT, Lebanon -- UPI
Several people allegedly planning attacks on the U.S. Embassy and other targets in Lebanon have been arrested, Lebanese Army and security sources said Thursday.

An army statement said the suspected terrorist network, which "includes many cells," was masterminding "sabotage and aggressions on various targets." The statement said the targets included "the embassy of a big western country, and security and military centers."

The army said the network was also planning to kidnap "official personalities as a mean to exert pressures to release detainees" held in Lebanon.

The statement said the arrests were made in cooperation with the security service of Syrian army forces stationed in Lebanon.

Security sources said the targeted western diplomatic mission was the U.S. Embassy located in the neighborhood of Awkar, east of Beirut.

The sources said between 10 and 13 people believed linked to possible attacks were arrested.

Earlier this month, the Lebanese army announced the arrest of additional suspects linked to a series of bombings that targeted U.S. fast-food franchises and a failed attempt to assassinate U.S. Ambassador Vincent Battle.
(Source: UPI.com)
2003 © United Press International.

Dan