Lebanese Army captures Islamic State Leader

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Wednesday, June 25th, 2025

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The Lebanese Army has arrested a senior Islamic State (IS) figure believed to be the group’s current leader in Lebanon, in a major success for the country’s counterterrorism operations.
In a statement on Tuesday, the army identified the man by the initials “R.F.,” also known as “Qassoura.” He was captured following a series of intelligence-led raids and is considered a key figure within IS’s Lebanon-based network.
During the arrest, security forces seized a cache of weapons, ammunition, and electronic devices, including materials suspected to be used in drone production.
Qassoura reportedly assumed leadership of IS in Lebanon after the arrest of his predecessor, Abu Said al-Shami, and several senior operatives in December 2024.
The arrest comes amid renewed regional concerns following a recent suicide bombing at a church in neighboring Syria, which killed at least 25 people. Syrian authorities have attributed the attack to IS.
Although IS’s presence in Lebanon is limited compared to Syria and Iraq, the group and other extremist factions have engaged in sporadic clashes with Lebanese forces and Hezbollah, especially in the country’s northern and eastern areas.
The army emphasized its ongoing efforts to dismantle extremist cells and prevent future attacks on Lebanese soil.