The 26-year-old Lebanese national who was arrested in Cyprus on Thursday while in possession of an estimated two tons of a compound that can be used for explosives has ties with Lebanon’s Hezbollah and has been trained in Iran, local press reported yesterday.
Citing Cypriot intelligence sources, Daily Phileleftheros reported that the man, who also holds a Canadian passport, is a member of Hezbollah’s military wing with close ties with the group’s leader Hassan Nasrullah. According to the report he received training in Iran by the Iranian regime’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC).
The information received by the Secret Service KYP led police to the house in which the 26-year-old was staying following his arrival to Cyprus last week.
On Wednesday afternoon, police entered the house and found two tonnes of ammonium nitrate – a fertiliser that can become a powerful explosive when mixed with other substances –stored in boxes in the basement.
When questioned about the stash, the 26-year-old denied any involvement, and said he did not know why the owner of the house had placed it there.
Police have been searching for the house’s owner for questioning. The paper cited sources claiming he was also Lebanese and has not been seen at the house for months.
Daily Politis reported the evidence presented by police in court is not known, the 26-year-old is being investigated for conspiracy to commit a crime and the illegal possession of explosives.
The paper said that in investigating the case Cypriot police is in contact and cooperation with foreign secret services.
In 2012, a young Lebanese-Swedish man, was detained by Cyprus police on possible charges relating to a planned attack against Israeli tourists.
He admitted being a member of Hezbollah, and that he was planning attacks for the group.
The same year, Bulgaria tried two suspects, including a dual Lebanese-Canadian citizen, for their role in the deadly 2012 Burqas bus bombing.
