Security forces seize weapons in Lebanese border town

Lebanon's General Security said Thursday that it seized weapons and explosives during a number of raids in a northeastern border region.

"Based on confessions made by a terrorist in our custody, General Security, with backing by the Lebanese army, raided a terrorist hideout in Wadi Aata area in Arsal town's surroundings as part of a preemptive measure, finding an explosive belt, weapons and various military equipment," the source said in a statement.

It added that it is still pursuing other members of the militant cell.

For its part, LBCI TV reported that the Lebanese army found a bomb belt and some ammunition at the house of a man currently in custody with General Security.

Hundreds of the Islamic State and al-Qaida linked al-Nusra Front militants have been holed up on the rugged outskirts of Arsal for about two years.

Their hideouts are pounded by the Lebanese military on a nearly daily basis to keep them at bay.

Lebanon has been on high alert since Monday when multiple suicide bombings targeted the northeastern border town of Al-Qaa, killing five people and wounding 30 others.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, which happened at dawn and in the evening.

The army has arrested over 400 Syrian refugees across the country since then, suspected of having ties to militant groups. Endit