Lebanese forces detain Syrian ISIS operative linked to thwarted papal assassination plot

Lebanese Army Intelligence captured an unidentified Syrian member of the Islamic State in northern Lebanon after monitoring him closely. The suspect, who crossed the border illegally, maintained links with senior ISIS figures in Syria and confessed that the group had ordered him to assassinate Pope Leo XIV during the pontiff's November-December visit. He claimed preparations were underway but circumstances prevented the attack from being carried out.

Investigators also learned that the operative was tasked with broader operations to undermine Lebanese security. A security source emphasized that while the immediate threat was averted, dormant ISIS cells could still pose a danger, and the authorities remain vigilant. The arrest follows a series of previous ISIS-related detentions by Lebanese forces, who have previously battled extremist groups such as Fatah al-Islam in the Nahr al-Bared camp near Tripoli.