Lebanon: Suicide bomber attacks security forces in Arsal May 26

Event

Military officials report that a suicide bomber detonated his device during a raid in Arsal on Friday, May 26. Security forces were carrying out a raid to arrest the bomber when he set off his explosive vest. Several soldiers were lightly wounded in the blast and the suspect was killed.

Context

According to officials, the bomber was wanted in connection to a previous bomb plot.

Lebanon's security context is closely tied to the situation in neighboring Syria, notably due to the involvement of the Lebanon-based Shi'ite group Hezbollah in the civil war. Terrorist attacks have occurred periodically in Lebanon in recent months, usually targeting security forces or isolated villages in the north, such as Arsal, Ras Baalbek, and Qaa.

Advice

Due to the threat of terrorism, some Western governments advise their nationals against travel to the city of Tripoli, as well as Beirut's southern districts, southern Lebanon, and the country's eastern regions (including Baalbek, Hermel, Majdel, and Rachaiya).