On Friday evening, camouflaged vehicles from a Lebanese security agency arrived in the "Tariq al-Jdideh" area of Beirut. Security personnel disembarked, armed and one of them took a civilian by the arm, stating, "You're with State Security," warning him not to resist the arrest. Meanwhile, another officer began searching him, and within less than a minute, they took him into one of the vehicles. The road was reopened by other accompanying vehicles, and they headed to a military center.
These operations are considered "clean" in security terminology, but upon delving into the details, one discovers months of surveillance, tracking, and observation conducted by officers and personnel from the General Directorate of State Security.
The operation's target was Bassam (A.), a prized catch in this operation, known in Beirut for the extortion he imposes on citizens and his involvement in the trade of various stolen goods, coordinating with different theft gangs in Beirut. There are existing court rulings, arrest warrants, and search notices against him.
Recently, multiple security agencies attempted to apprehend him, but he managed to escape each time with the help of his accomplices. On one occasion, during an attempt by a security agency to arrest him, there was an exchange of gunfire between him and his men, and he also managed to flee, despite being injured in the leg.
Lately, Bassam's offenses in Beirut worsened, as he took extreme precautions by hiding and only moving in essential circumstances. The operation conducted by the special forces of State Security caught Bassam by surprise, and he showed no resistance, even though he was carrying a white weapon; however, he did not have the opportunity to use it, according to a source in the agency. The source also reported that Bassam had drugs in his possession for personal use, as he seems to be an addict. Investigations began last night and are still ongoing under the supervision of the competent judiciary.
