A fugitive radical preacher Ahmad al-Assir,
also referred to as an “ISIS leader”, was over
the weekend arrested at a Lebanese airport
while attempting to flee to Nigeria using fake
travel documents.
The story generated multiple reactions, fears
and allegations among Nigerians who still
remember the dangerous claim made by Boko
Haram earlier this year. Recall that the
dreaded sect pledged allegiance with the
richest and one of the most powerful terrorist
groups in the world: Islamic State (ISIS) .
Ahmad al-Assir, the eloquent speaker
The recent development has revived these
fears, which were confirmed by a source who
disclosed:
“We are worried because Boko Haram has
pledged loyalty to ISIS. And the botched trip of
al-Assir is reawakening because it has
confirmed Boko Haram’s claim.”
We have gathered the most notable facts
about al-Assir, his criminal activities and
allegations posed against him, and about the
situation in general. Specifically, we ask what
he has to do with ISIS.


1. Who is al-Assir and why was he declared
wanted?
Two years ago he was a charismatic preacher
vigorously speaking against Hezbollah (the
military organization and political party
dominating Lebanese affairs), which sought to
limit his influence in the country. His followers
often had clashes with Hezbollah proxies. In
June 2013 al-Assir’s followers were involved in
a gunfight at an army checkpoint and killed at
least 18 soldiers.
The army insisted the bloody clash had
started with the provocation of the cleric’s
supporters at the site.


2. Disappearance and charges
Following the incident he mysteriously
disappeared leaving his forces on the verge of
defeat.
The Lebanese military judge accused al-Assir
of having formed armed groups that attacked
an institution of the state, the army, killed
officers and soldiers, took explosive materials
and light and heavy weapons and used them
against the army. Military prosecutors sought
the death penalty for him.


3. Purported links with ISIS
It is believed that the preacher has ties with
the group. The information is, however,
unconfirmed. He was once referred to as the
“emir” of the ISIS branch in Lebanon.
Interestingly, it is mostly the Nigerian sources
that headlined the story using the “ISIS
leader”.


4. Two years later, he tried to flee,
unsuccessfully
The cleric not only obtained a fake passport,
but also changed his look in an attempt to
board a plane in Beirut en route to Nigeria.
However, the plan was uncovered.
Changed his look to escape from Lebanona.


5. Destination – Nigeria
He was arrested with a forged Palestinian
travel document on him. However, Nigerians
wondered how he had managed to obtain the
Nigerian visa. And actually whether is was a
real one.


6. Reactions, claims and unconfirmed reports
tracking the development
Some sources claimed that al-Assir had never
applied for the Nigerian visa at all , which
means it was another fake document.
Meanwhile, the presidency directed an
investigation involving all the relevant agencies
that might have been responsible for visa
issuance .


7. Social media explodes with anti-Buhari
comments
Some blamed President Muhammadu Buhari
for the development, calling terrorists “Buhari
men” and the president – “leader of Boko
Haram”. Haters of the acting government even
accused Buhari of having “invited” al-Assir to
Nigeria. The presidency warned the public
against posing mischievous allegations.


8. In defense of al-Assir
Abdulrahman al-Rashed, who is the former
general manager of Al Arabiya News Channel,
wrote a piece in which he accused the
authorities of exercising double standards. See
an extract from his piece below:
“Lebanese authorities on Saturday arrested
Assir on charges of incitement and perverting
the course of justice; however they have not
arrested the three men wanted for the murder
of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri… Although
Assir deserves to be detained and tried, the
Lebanese justice seems to be in its worst days
as authorities arrest a religious preacher for
his demagogy and inciting violence but allows
murderers to remain at large because they are
protected by Hezbollah!”


9. Interesting fact from al-Assir’s biography
Although he was born to a Shiite Muslim
mother, his discourse was highly sectarian and
he often accused Lebanon’s army of failing to
protect Sunnis and being beholden to
Hezbollah.


10. What next?
Assir’s confessions have so far led to the
arrest of at least five people linked to the anti-
Hezbollah firebrand preacher. According to one
of the reports referring to the judicial
sources the suspected terrorist will appear
before a military court on September 15.
Naij.com Home Page

we are not interested

amadice:
we are not interested

Maybe. But the question is how many such terrorist elements have managed to enter Nigeria unhindered?

Had he scaled through Beirut airport, would our airports law enforcement officers mostly led by Quota System Northerners not have waved their Middle Eastern brother through with a smile?

We can do the ostrich or face reality.

Nigeria the only country he can comfortably hide and nobody will ask questions...instead he will get police escort and fvck some of the most beautiful girls in Nigeria ....what a country