Lebanon arrests seven Syrians over suspected terror plot during Ashura

Lebanese security forces are investigating whether a group of Syrian men arrested on Monday were planning an attack during Ashura or collaborating with Israel.

Seven men were detained by the General Security Directorate in Burj al-Barajneh, a Shia-majority suburb south of Beirut, on suspicion of belonging to an extremist group or working with foreign entities.

One of the suspects was reportedly seen taking photographs at an Ashura gathering of Shias, raising concerns among locals, who forced him to delete the images from his phone.

Shia Muslims are currently marking Ashura, 10 days of mourning for the 7th-century death of the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, Imam Hussein, often commemorated in large public processions.

Security has been heightened around Beirut's southern suburbs and other Shia-majority areas, which a decade ago saw deadly bombings by the Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qaeda-linked groups.

General Security raided the men’s residence after the arrest and confiscated several electronic devices. A source told Almodon news site the phones were "advanced" and similar to devices previously linked to Israeli collaborators.

Photographs found on the devices showed the men posing with weapons, which they claimed were taken years ago in Syria.

Authorities have not confirmed whether the group belongs to IS or was plotting to sabotage Ashura ceremonies. Security sources have not ruled out a possible Israeli link, citing the presence of numerous foreign numbers on the phones.

A separate source described reports of a foiled bombing plot as "exaggerated" and aimed at inciting panic. The men may be referred to the military tribunal as investigations continue.

The arrests come as Lebanon grapples with over a year of escalating hostilities with Israel and fears that extremist groups could resurface amid ongoing instability in neighbouring Syria.