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IS commander found dead in Lebanese border town

Xinhua, October 9, 2016 Adjust font size:

A commander from the extremist Islamic State group (IS), Abu Bakr al-Raqqawi, was found dead on Sunday in the northeastern border town of Arsal, reported the National News Agency (NNA).

Raqqawi is thought to be behind the assassination of Internal Security Forces (ISF) soldier, Zaher Ezzeddine, earlier in January, the NNA said.

Militants from IS and Fateh al-Sham Front - formerly al-Qaida's al-Nusra Front - are located along the Lebanese-Syrian border and the army regularly shells their posts.

Both extremist groups briefly invaded Arsal in Aug. 2014 before being ousted by the army following days of deadly armed combat.

However, before retreating, the militants abducted over 30 troops and policemen.

Al-Nusra Front executed four and the IS beheaded one, and nine troops still remain captive by the IS. Endit