BEIRUT: Interior Minister Marwan Charbel reassured Lebanese Saturday that the security situation in the country was under control after reports surfaced of a plot to target high-ranking security officials.
“What was raised about a plan to target the head of the Internal Security Forces Ashraf Rifi or the head of the Information Branch Wissam al-Hasan was blown out of proportion,” Charbel told LBCTV in an interview.
An-Nahar daily reported Saturday that the police’s Intelligence Branch had received information of a plot to target the ISF headquarters in Ashrafieh, Beirut. The newspaper said Rifi and Hasan were possible targets.
The newspaper added that in the last 24 hours two different sources had leaked similar information to the Intelligence Branch, erasing doubts of the credibility of the information.
“I reassure the Lebanese that there is nothing to be afraid of and that the situation is under control,” Charbel told the television station.
Charbel also said that when he learned of the plot, security personnel were ordered to take additional measures to secure those in danger, including Rifi and Hasan.
“There is fear that amid a tense political situation that a fifth column interferes ... which could lead to sectarian strife,” the minister said.
Security sources told The Daily Star Saturday that police intensified its presence in Ashrafieh and environs by setting up a number of check points and dispatching ISF personnel to the area.