Lebanese President, Prime Minister Affirm Full Cooperation with Jordan on Foiled Terror Plot

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has pledged full cooperation with Jordan following revelations that two members of a missile-manufacturing cell uncovered in Jordan had received training in Lebanon. The statement came after King Abdullah of Jordan personally briefed Aoun on the findings of the investigation into the terror cell, which was reportedly plotting to destabilize Jordan’s national security.

According to the Lebanese Presidency’s media office, Aoun instructed Justice Minister Adel Nassar to coordinate with his Jordanian counterpart and to work closely with both countries’ security and judicial agencies to support the investigation and exchange intelligence.

A judicial source confirmed that the Lebanese army intelligence is actively following up on the case and is seeking further details from Jordan. "We are awaiting concrete information to determine whether any Lebanese individuals are involved. If confirmed, the matter will be referred to the Lebanese judiciary," the source told Arab News.

In a separate development, Lebanese army intelligence announced the arrest of two Palestinians in the southern city of Sidon for allegedly smuggling and trading military weapons across the Lebanese-Syrian border. Several weapons and rounds of ammunition were confiscated. While media reports have suggested the individuals are affiliated with the Hamas movement’s security wing in Sidon, no official security agency has confirmed a direct connection to the Jordanian terror cell.

Jordanian authorities revealed on Tuesday that they had thwarted multiple plots to undermine national security, arresting 16 suspects. Investigators said the group had begun locally producing missiles and acquiring parts from abroad. Intelligence reports indicated efforts to develop drones and train recruits both domestically and overseas. Two of the suspects — Abdullah Hisham and Muath Al-Ghanem — were allegedly sent to Lebanon to meet a key figure and receive specialized training.

In response to the developments, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reaffirmed Lebanon’s solidarity with Jordan. "Lebanon stands fully by Jordan in facing any plot targeting its security and stability," he said, adding that Lebanon is ready to collaborate fully with Jordanian authorities to investigate whether any suspects trained on Lebanese soil.

Speaking at the launch of the Beirut Airport Road Rehabilitation Project, Salam also addressed domestic security concerns, noting that security efforts are ongoing in coordination with Defense Minister Michel Menassa and Interior Minister Ahmed Hajjar.

Meanwhile, Lebanon continues its efforts to address arms proliferation, including a disarmament process initiated in December targeting Palestinian factions outside official refugee camps, particularly in the Bekaa region and the south. These factions are largely linked to former Syrian regime loyalists.