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Lebanon: Syrian Minors Arrested in Assassination Case of Key ‘Qassam’ Figure

Firefighters douse a burning car after it was hit in a reported Israeli drone attack in Lebanon's southern area of Naqoura near the border with Israel on March 13, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border tensions as fighting continues between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. (Photo by AFP)
Firefighters douse a burning car after it was hit in a reported Israeli drone attack in Lebanon's southern area of Naqoura near the border with Israel on March 13, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border tensions as fighting continues between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. (Photo by AFP)
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Lebanon: Syrian Minors Arrested in Assassination Case of Key ‘Qassam’ Figure

Firefighters douse a burning car after it was hit in a reported Israeli drone attack in Lebanon's southern area of Naqoura near the border with Israel on March 13, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border tensions as fighting continues between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. (Photo by AFP)
Firefighters douse a burning car after it was hit in a reported Israeli drone attack in Lebanon's southern area of Naqoura near the border with Israel on March 13, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border tensions as fighting continues between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. (Photo by AFP)

The Palestinian factions and Islamic forces in the Tyre region in Lebanon announced on Friday the arrest of a group of Israeli agents it said were involved in the assassination of a member of the Qassam Brigades earlier this month, and handing them over to the relevant Lebanese authorities.
It is a first for the factions to make such an announcement since the outbreak of clashes between the Hezbollah group and Israel in southern Lebanon, following the Al-Aqsa Flood operation in Gaza and Israel’s focus on assassinating members and officials of Hamas and Hezbollah.
In its statement, the factions said: "After the cowardly assassination of Qassam Brigades member Hadi Mustafa (Abu Shadi), carried out by the Zionist enemy on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, the leadership of the factions and Islamic forces conducted thorough field monitoring and surveillance operations, during which investigations revealed the involvement of a group of infiltrators in our camp in the assassination operation”.
“They have been handed over to the relevant security authorities in the Lebanese state”, it added.
Two Individuals in Army’s Custody
The Palestinian factions have handed two Syrian minors to the Lebanese army intelligence, according to Lebanese security sources. They are being interrogated for their involvement in the assassination of Hadi Mustafa.
A source told Asharq Al-Awsat on condition of anonymity that the detainees planted a tracking device in the vehicle of a member of the Qassam Brigades, facilitating his assassination with an Israeli drone.
A Lebanese judicial source also confirmed the arrest of two individuals suspected of involvement in the assassination of Mustafa. “The army intelligence is conducting an investigation with two Syrian minors based on information linking them to this assassination”, he told Asharq AlAwsat.
Hamas: Arresting the Operator
A source in the Hamas group told Asharq Al-Awsat that a third person, the operator of the Syrian minors, was arrested in the Rashidieh Palestinian refugee camp. According to information, each of the detainees received the sum of approximately 11 US dollars in exchange for planting the tracking device.
The Israeli army had said that Mustafa was a "central figure" in Hamas in Lebanon and that he was "promoting terrorist activities against Israeli targets worldwide, and was involved in directing sabotage cells and field activities to attack Israeli and Jewish targets in various countries around the world."
Record Full of Assassinations
One of the most notable assassinations attributed to Israeli operatives is the killing of Hamas leader and head of its political office, Saleh al-Arouri, in an Israeli raid targeting a building in the southern suburb of Beirut, the stronghold of the Lebanese Hezbollah.
Additionally, the assassination of the son of Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc leader, MP Mohammed Raad, occurred during a raid targeting a residence in southern Lebanon while he was inside with several party members.
Furthermore, the assassination of Wissam al-Taweel, a commander in the Al-Ridwan Force affiliated with Hezbollah, took place in a bombing targeting his car in southern Lebanon.
According to Dr. Riad Kahwaji, the CEO of the Near East and Gulf Military Analysis (INEGMA), "In wars, armies always seek to strengthen their intelligence capabilities against the targeted party, which is why Israel always resorts to enhancing human intelligence and recruiting agents for it is not a new matter."
“The repeated successes in targeting leaders, whether from Hezbollah or Hamas and knowing their movement methods and times, as well as identifying weapon storage locations, require advanced intelligence work through agents present on the ground.
“It appears that the Israeli side has succeeded in recruiting a large number of these agents, enabling it to achieve the desired hits”, he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

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Arab World

Bahbah Says ‘Board of Peace’ to be Announced Tuesday, ‘Gaza Committee’ to Follow

Bishara Bahbah stands between US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance (Bahbah’s X account)
Bishara Bahbah stands between US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance (Bahbah’s X account)
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Bahbah Says ‘Board of Peace’ to be Announced Tuesday, ‘Gaza Committee’ to Follow

Bishara Bahbah stands between US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance (Bahbah’s X account)
Bishara Bahbah stands between US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance (Bahbah’s X account)

The head of Arab Americans for Peace and a mediator on Gaza, Bishara Bahbah, said on Saturday that information he has received indicates US President Donald Trump will announce a “Board of Peace” overseeing a transitional administration for the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, Jan. 13, followed a day or two later by the formation of a Palestinian technocratic committee during meetings in Cairo.

Bahbah, an American of Palestinian origin, told Asharq Al-Awsat that several countries from the Arab world will participate in the Board of Peace, including Qatar, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.

He said the names of the technocratic committee faced Israeli objections, but a consensus was reached during visits by the nominee for director of the Board of Peace in Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov, to Israel and Ramallah on Thursday and Friday.

He added that he spoke on Thursday with Hamas leaders, who told him there are still no negotiations over the “disarmament” clause included in the ceasefire agreement that entered into force on Oct. 10, an issue on which Washington and Israel insist.

A Palestinian source had earlier told Asharq Al-Awsat that Cairo would host a Hamas delegation this week to advance the Gaza agreement.

Asked whether the announcement of the Board of Peace and the Gaza administration committee is imminent, Bahbah said the announcement will take place this week and that Cairo will host meetings of Palestinian factions to agree on the administration of Gaza.

He said it is expected that the Board of Peace will be announced on Jan. 13, followed a day or two later by a meeting of Palestinian factions in Cairo, during which the names of the technocratic committee to manage Gaza’s affairs will be announced.

Regarding whether the US president will make the announcement, Bahbah stated that the information he has received indicates that Trump will announce the names of the Board of Peace members on Jan. 13, adding that he is not aware of the exact reason for choosing that date.

Regarding the most prominent names on the Gaza administration committee, Bahbah stated that the names are not yet precisely known, but the candidates are individuals from Gaza, whether currently residing there or of Gazan origin.

Regarding the countries forming the Board of Peace, Bahbah said they include the United States, Britain, Germany, Italy, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt.

He added that there is discussion about possibly adding the head of the International Monetary Fund, the president of the World Bank, and another figure who heads an international institution to the board, noting that representation would be at the level of heads of state or heads of government, such as Britain’s Keir Starmer and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni.

Bahbah said the Board of Peace is expected to convene on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum meetings in Davos in the third week of this month.

On the future of Hamas and whether it would exit the scene, Bahbah said the central issue lies in Israel and the United States demanding Hamas’ disarmament, adding that there is currently no mechanism or negotiations on the matter.

He said he contacted Hamas leaders on Thursday, who confirmed that no dialogue or negotiations have taken place with them by any party regarding disarmament, while the US side told him it is working on the issue.

He said the step is likely to be postponed or implemented gradually, as it would not happen overnight, especially since the movement would not accept disarmament without clear guarantees.

He said previous guarantees provided in the first phase failed, with about 1,100 ceasefire violations recorded, more than 400 people killed, and over 1,000 injured over the past three months, questioning how Hamas could agree to hand over its weapons without guarantees preventing Israeli violations of the agreement and attacks.

On Israel’s acceptance of the proposed steps, Bahbah said there is consensus on the Board of Peace and the technocratic committee, noting that the names were sent to the Israeli side, which approved some and rejected others.

He said the final list of the committee is expected to be prepared this week with the approval of Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and the United States, adding that the names and mechanisms have changed, and an agreement has been reached with Israel.

Bahbah also said that Mladenov, the candidate chosen for director of the Board of Peace in Gaza, discussed the formation of the committee during a meeting on Friday with the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah.

He said the Palestinian Authority insists that no committee will be allowed to be formed except at its invitation, as it considers itself the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.

Arab World

Calm Prevails in Yemen’s Liberated Areas after Dissolution of Southern Transitional Council

Minister of State and Governor of Aden Abdulrahman Sheikh al-Yafei takes the constitutional oath on Saturday before the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad al-Alimi. Saba
Minister of State and Governor of Aden Abdulrahman Sheikh al-Yafei takes the constitutional oath on Saturday before the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad al-Alimi. Saba
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Calm Prevails in Yemen’s Liberated Areas after Dissolution of Southern Transitional Council

Minister of State and Governor of Aden Abdulrahman Sheikh al-Yafei takes the constitutional oath on Saturday before the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad al-Alimi. Saba
Minister of State and Governor of Aden Abdulrahman Sheikh al-Yafei takes the constitutional oath on Saturday before the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad al-Alimi. Saba

Security calm prevailed across Yemen’s liberated areas on Saturday, a day after the leadership of the Southern Transitional Council announced the dissolution of the council and all its bodies at home and abroad.

This paves the way for participation in the anticipated Riyadh conference dedicated to the southern issue, a step widely seen as pivotal in reshaping political and security arrangements in southern Yemen.

While the Hadhramaut governorate continued to strengthen its security presence and consolidate stability through a series of measures and official assurances, local authorities in the interim capital, Aden, tightened precautionary steps, rejecting what they described as suspicious calls that could lead to chaos.

The measures coincided with a heavy deployment of Giants Brigades and National Shield forces, which took control of the security situation.

In this context, the newly appointed Minister of State and Governor of Aden, Abdulrahman Sheikh al-Yafei, took the constitutional oath on Saturday before the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad al-Alimi, according to official media.

The state news agency Saba reported that Al-Alimi met with the new governor and emphasized the priority of unifying decision-making and strengthening the role of the security committee in Aden.

He underscored the need for the state to exclusively control weapons, enable its institutions to exercise their legal authorities, and entrench the rule of law as a cornerstone of stability.

Al-Alimi also called for upholding the values of tolerance, coexistence, and social peace, preventing any acts of revenge or retaliation, and facilitating the work of humanitarian organizations to ensure the smooth flow of aid, contributing to improved living conditions for citizens.

He urged Aden’s local leadership to work jointly with the government to improve basic services, particularly electricity, create a safe and attractive environment for investment, remove administrative obstacles, boost local and sovereign revenues, restore investor confidence, and reinforce Aden’s status and its historic port as a regional commercial hub.

In a televised address on Saturday, Al-Alimi announced the formation of a Supreme Military Committee under the leadership of the Coalition forces.

The committee will prepare, equip, and command all military forces and formations, aiming to unify military decision-making and enhance state readiness to restore its institutions peacefully or by force if the Houthis refuse peace.

He confirmed the completion of the handover of military camps in Hadhramaut, Al-Mahra, the interim capital Aden, and other liberated areas, reaffirming the state’s commitment to the southern issue and support for convening a comprehensive southern dialogue conference under Saudi sponsorship, with its outcomes to be implemented under regional and international guarantees.

Observers say Al-Alimi’s positions signal the beginning of a new phase of unity aimed at achieving security and stability in Yemen’s liberated governorates and protecting them from the Houthis, terrorist operations, and any threats to Yemen’s security and stability.

They note that the presidential council chairman continues to emphasize the Yemeni government’s belief in the just southern cause, pointing out that Saudi Arabia will lead this phase with the participation of the legitimate government and Yemeni parties, as Riyadh is set to host a conference on the southern issue with the participation of southern figures and leaders.

Rejection of Chaos

Earlier, Aden’s local authorities issued a key security directive based on instructions from the Vice Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, Abdulrahman al-Muharrami, and a decision by al-Yafei, banning any gatherings or mass rallies during the current period.

The directive stated that the local authority is not opposed to demonstrations in principle, but rejected the timing, describing the current phase as sensitive and challenging.

It warned of attempts to exploit any peaceful activity by infiltrators to drag it toward violence and target institutions, military camps, and public and private property.

The statement said the circulating calls promoted by elements of the dissolved Southern Transitional Council had not obtained any official permit and were not backed by any responsible or coordinated entity, making them vulnerable to infiltration by terrorist organizations seeking to undermine stability.

It stressed that maintaining security does not mean suppressing opinions, and that peaceful expression will remain open once conditions stabilize.

The local authority urged citizens to comply with the directive and not be drawn into suspicious calls, affirming that security agencies will deal firmly and in accordance with the law with any violations, to safeguard the capital and its residents.

Arab World

US Military Launches ‘Large-Scale’ Strikes Against ISIS in Syria

A US navy F-18 Super Hornet lands on the flight deck on the USS Nimitz, off the coast of Busan, South Korea, 27 March, 2023. Jeon Heon-Kyun/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
A US navy F-18 Super Hornet lands on the flight deck on the USS Nimitz, off the coast of Busan, South Korea, 27 March, 2023. Jeon Heon-Kyun/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
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US Military Launches ‘Large-Scale’ Strikes Against ISIS in Syria

A US navy F-18 Super Hornet lands on the flight deck on the USS Nimitz, off the coast of Busan, South Korea, 27 March, 2023. Jeon Heon-Kyun/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
A US navy F-18 Super Hornet lands on the flight deck on the USS Nimitz, off the coast of Busan, South Korea, 27 March, 2023. Jeon Heon-Kyun/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

The US military carried out “large-scale strikes” against multiple ISIS targets in Syria, the Central Command (CENTCOM) forces affirmed on Saturday.

The attacks were part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, which was launched and announced on Dec. 19, at the direction of President Donald Trump, in direct response to the ISIS attack on US and Syrian forces in Palmyra on Dec. 13, the military said in a statement. That attack killed two US soldiers and a US civilian interpreter, according to US officials.

“Today’s strikes targeted ISIS throughout Syria as part of our ongoing commitment to root out terrorism against our warfighters, prevent future attacks, and protect American and partner forces in the region,” the military statement said.

Earlier on Saturday, Fox News quoted US officials as saying that the US military has launched airstrikes against ISIS in Syria.

There was no information about whether anyone was killed in the strikes. The Pentagon did not deliver more details.

The UK Ministry of Defense said on Saturday that Royal Air Force Typhoon jets have joined French aircraft in a joint strike on an underground arms cache in Syria used by ISIS.

Western aircraft have been conducting patrols to stop a resurgence of the extremist group that ruled parts of Syria until 2019.

“Careful intelligence analysis led officials to believe the facility was storing arms and explosives,” the statement said, and was in mountains just north of Palmyra, an ancient site in central Syria.

“This action shows our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of ISIS and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East,” UK Defense Secretary John Healey said.