Lebanese soldiers (Archive photo)
Photo: AFP
Report: Lebanon arrests man suspected of spying for Israel
Lebanese paper reports suspect from Tripoli held several passports, aircraft radio communication device. Twenty three similar cells uncovered since 2009, say Beirut authorities
The Lebanese military arrested a man suspected of collaborating with Israel.
Lebanese daily as-Safir reported on Monday that a military force detained a resident of Tripoli in northern Lebanon on
suspicion of collaborating with the Mossad. The suspect, Jawdat H., was taken in for interrogation.
According to the report, the man's arrest was made possible following information obtained from other suspects, who were detained in the past on suspicion of cooperating with Israel and pointed to Jawdat H.'s involvement. The suspect was under surveillance until he was finally arrested Sunday by the Lebanese military intelligence.
The suspect was detained in his home, where according to reports the military uncovered several passports that were used to travel to Cyprus and other destinations. As-Safir also reported that a laptop and several advanced communication instruments were found in his apartment, including a device that was hidden in a spare-parts box and was used for radio communication with airplanes.
The report also revealed that the suspect, who traded in vehicle spare parts, has family members serving in the Lebanese military, including a high ranking relative. A few of Jawdat H.'s acquaintances said that he had been financially comfortable lately and owned fancy cars.
In the beginning of February, Kuwait-based al-Anba newpaper reported the Beirut authorities uncovered another espionage network operated by Israel. According to Lebanese security sources, a senior officer was arrested on suspicion of being the leader of the cell.
Lebanese security authorities said it was the second espionage network they have uncovered since the beginning of the New Year. In 2009, Beirut reported it had arrested 23 similar espionage cells in Lebanon and its members are currently facing legal proceedings.
