The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon stated Tuesday it will boost security after a cell of Palestinians was discovered with the aim of carrying out attacks against its troops.
Lebanese investigating military magistrate Jean Fahd said the suspects were all Palestinian members of Islamist networks, adding charges would be determined later. The Lebanese army announced Monday the arrest of a "network of non-Lebanese terrorists" plotting attacks against troops of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) patrolling the south of the country. According to AFP, it said the group had planted an explosive device on a road near the southern port city of Tyre targeting a UN patrol, but the device failed to explode.
The local press said seven people had been arrested.
"In light of recent terrorist attacks against UNIFIL, threats received from militant groups and these recent arrests, UNIFIL remains vigilant and is undertaking a number of measures to mitigate risks and improve the safety and security of its staff," UNIFIL said in a statement.
