Lebanon arrests Daesh commander linked to Damascus bombings during French president's visit

Lebanese security forces have apprehended a Syrian commander belonging to the Daesh group, who is allegedly linked to recent bombings in Damascus. The arrest took place as Syrian authorities investigate a Daesh cell suspected of orchestrating explosions during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron.

The Internal Security Forces of Lebanon announced the detention on Monday, stating the suspect was apprehended on June 30 following a meticulous monitoring and follow-up operation. The statement identified the individual as the leader of the group in central and southern Syria.

This announcement comes nearly a week after two explosions rocked Damascus during Macron's visit, killing one person and injuring dozens near the hotel where the French leader was staying. Initial Syrian investigations pointed to Daesh involvement in the attacks.

Syrian authorities had previously identified three men they were questioning and accused them of responsibility for the blasts. Although Daesh's territorial control in Syria ended in 2019, the group continues to operate through various cells across the country. In Lebanon, extremist Sunni groups that had pledged allegiance to Daesh were involved in clashes with the army in the 2010s, launching deadly attacks. However, these groups were largely defeated by military operations in 2017. Last year, the Lebanese army reported arresting a suspected Daesh leader in the country, linking him to planning operations.