Lebanese Army arrests 6 people 'spreading ISIS ideology on social media'

BEIRUT—The Lebanese Army announced on Tuesday that it has arrested six people "active on social media in spreading the ideology of the terrorist organization ISIS," the state-run National News Agency reported.

"As part of the Intelligence Directorate’s follow-up of people who engage in terrorist activities, and based on the discriminatory Public Prosecution’s referral, the Directorate was able to arrest the citizens: (M.N.), (A.Z.), (A.A.) , (A.A.), (M.D.), (M.T.). As a result of the investigations, it was found that they were active through social media in spreading the ideology of the terrorist organization ISIS, through holding meetings centered around [the organization's] ideas and tendencies, working to recruit people for its benefit, and inciting against the Lebanese army and security services," the Lebanese Army said.

"An investigation has been launched with the detainees under the supervision of the competent judiciary," it added.

Authorities regularly announce arrests of suspected members of jihadist organizations in Lebanon.

In early June, a Syrian man opened fire on the American embassy in Lebanon. He was later accused of "belonging to the Islamic State" and committing "terrorist acts."

The Syrian national claimed to be acting in support of Gaza's population amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. He fired shots at the American embassy on June 5, before being injured by the army and subsequently arrested.