The identity of the man who beheaded Lebanese Army officer, Sgt. ‘Ali Al-Sayed, has been revealed by the Lebanese Government. According to sources in Lebanon: Jabhat Al-Nusra member, ‘Umar Al-Makati of the ‘Akkar District in the Lebanese province of Tripoli, was the man identified as Sgt. Al-Sayed’s executioner. Al-Makati has fought in both Syria and Lebanon with Jabhat Al-Nusra; most recently in the ‘Arsal District.
Jabhat Al-Nusra has given the Lebanese Government a short timetable to release their affiliates from the Roumieh Prison or witness another Lebanese soldier’s execution. The Lebanese Government has worked vigorously through a third party to negotiate the release of the hostages; however, Jabhat Al-Nusra has refused each offering.
Meanwhile, on the border of Syria, Jabhat Al-Nusra and the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS) militants continue to attack the Lebanese Armed Forces and Hezbollah fighters near the Qalamoun Mountains in the Rif Dimashq Governate of Syria. Clashes are ongoing, despite a brief ceasefire following the Lebanese Army offensive in ‘Arsal.
