BEIRUT: Outspoken Sheikh Omar Bakri Fustoq was on the run Tuesday, Lebanese security sources said, after his house was raided as part of the security plan for the northern city of Tripoli.
The Lebanese army and security forces have deployed heavily around the city, and conducted a series of raids in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Fustoq is among around 200 individuals wanted by the authorities in Tripoli, a list issued by the military prosecutor, for their alleged role in the ongoing clashes in the city, as well as car bombs and the targeting of civilians and army members.
Security forces have detained 21 suspects thus far.
Fustoq is thought to be close to Al-Qaeda, and recently called for the group’s black flag to be flown over Baabda presidential palace.
Born in Syria, Fustoq lived in Britain for many years, where he helped found the Hizb ut-Tahrir party. Upon arriving to Lebanon in 2005 he was informed by the British government that he could not return.
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