Libya Captures ISIS Militant Behind Three Attacks

Members of the Libyan army's special forces take cover as a tank fires towards militants during clashes in the militants' last stronghold in Benghazi. REUTERS/Esam Omran Al-Fetori
Members of the Libyan army's special forces take cover as a tank fires towards militants during clashes in the militants' last stronghold in Benghazi. REUTERS/Esam Omran Al-Fetori
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Libya Captures ISIS Militant Behind Three Attacks

Members of the Libyan army's special forces take cover as a tank fires towards militants during clashes in the militants' last stronghold in Benghazi. REUTERS/Esam Omran Al-Fetori
Members of the Libyan army's special forces take cover as a tank fires towards militants during clashes in the militants' last stronghold in Benghazi. REUTERS/Esam Omran Al-Fetori

A leader of ISIS group who allegedly planned and sponsored three deadly attacks in the Libyan capital Tripoli in 2018 has been captured, the country's prime minister said Thursday.

"Our forces apprehended on Tuesday a leader of the terrorist organization ISIS, involved in the planning and command of terrorist acts that targeted the institutions of our country and their fallen officials," Abdelhamid Dbeibah, head of the United Nations-supported Libyan government, said during a live television broadcast.

The government's media office offered no further details on the identity or nationality of the militant, who was arrested in a joint military operation.

Dbeibah also renewed his government's commitment to "combat terrorism in all its forms", to "prosecute anyone involved" in terrorist acts, and to "strengthen stability throughout the country".

On May 2, 2018, 14 people were killed in a suicide attack claimed by ISIS on the headquarters of the Libyan High Electoral Commission in Tripoli.

On September 10, 2018, a suicide attack by the militant group against the headquarters of the Libyan National Oil Company in the capital killed two and wounded 10 company staff.

On December 25, 2018, three people, including a Libyan diplomat, were killed in an attack claimed by ISIS against the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.



Lebanon Detains Five Over Rocket Fire Toward Israel

FILED - 31 May 2022, Lebanon, Beirut: Lebanese soldiers stand guard in front of the parliament building in Beirut. Photo: Marwan Naamani/dpa
FILED - 31 May 2022, Lebanon, Beirut: Lebanese soldiers stand guard in front of the parliament building in Beirut. Photo: Marwan Naamani/dpa
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Lebanon Detains Five Over Rocket Fire Toward Israel

FILED - 31 May 2022, Lebanon, Beirut: Lebanese soldiers stand guard in front of the parliament building in Beirut. Photo: Marwan Naamani/dpa
FILED - 31 May 2022, Lebanon, Beirut: Lebanese soldiers stand guard in front of the parliament building in Beirut. Photo: Marwan Naamani/dpa

The Lebanese Army on Tuesday received a third suspect from the Palestinian group Hamas over rocket attacks launched from southern Lebanon toward Israel in March, bringing the total number of detainees to five.

In a statement issued by the Army’s Directorate of Guidance, the military said it had taken custody of the Palestinian national, identified by the initials Q.S., at the entrance of the Al-Bass refugee camp in the southern city of Tyre.

The handover follows the transfer of two other Hamas members on Sunday and Monday, as part of a broader security operation led by the Lebanese Army’s Intelligence Directorate.

The move comes in line with a recommendation by Lebanon’s Supreme Defense Council and a decision by the government to apprehend those involved in the attacks.

The suspects are believed to have played roles in rocket launches toward Israeli territory on March 22 and 28, 2025.

Military authorities confirmed that the newly detained suspect is now under investigation under the supervision of the relevant judicial authorities.

Security forces are continuing efforts to track down additional individuals linked to the rocket fire.

Rockets fired from southern Lebanon toward Israel on March 22 and 28 were launched by unidentified assailants, but subsequent investigations by Lebanese authorities revealed that some of those involved were affiliated with the Palestinian group Hamas, security sources said.

Two suspects have already been detained, and authorities have launched a manhunt for others believed to have taken part in the attacks.

In response, Lebanon’s Supreme Defense Council issued a recommendation to the government on Friday, urging it to formally warn Hamas against using Lebanese territory to carry out operations that threaten national security.

“The most severe measures will be taken to put a definitive end to any act that violates Lebanese sovereignty,” the council said in its statement.