Is Lebanon next target of Islamic State?
Lebanon battles extremist armed groups; Egypt’s political isolation in Gaza; Iran’s shift on Hamas; family of Al-Monitor columnist killed by Israeli airstrike; lobbying series continues.
Lebanese army, Hezbollah battle jihadists
As US fighter jets struck Islamic State (IS) positions in Iraq, Lebanon last week battled jihadist groups linked to Jabhat al-Nusra and IS terrorists.
On Aug. 2, armed extremist forces attacked Arsal, located in the Bekaa Valley. The assault followed the arrest of Imad Ahmed Jumaa, who had been a leader in Jabhat al-Nusra, but who may have recently sworn allegiance to IS, according to Esperance Ghanem.
The fighting in Arsal claimed the lives of 42 civilians and 17 Lebanese soldiers. Twelve policemen and 19 soldiers are missing and presumed taken captive by the extremists.
