Samaha confessed to planning terrorist attacks that were expected to be carried out during Iftar banquets in North Lebanon, particularly in Akkar. He admitted as well, his involvement in smuggling explosives in his car from Syria to Lebanon.        

It was reported that the explosives were being transported in Samaha’s Mercedes and were to be delivered to a person form  the Kfoury family; but were seized by the Internal Security Forces.  

Samaha’s confessions came after his driver  reportedly admitted the involvement early in the day. In this context, a security source told LBCI that the evidence was complete and were collected two weeks ago. 

Earlier in the day, the ISF's Information Division raided Samaha's house in the neighborhood of al-Jwar near Khenchara in northern Metn, taking him to Achrafieh's Information Division branch.      

Around noon, the ISF arrested Samaha’s driver Fares Barakat and seized 2 cars, while the search of his house continued.

Security forces had earlier arrested Samaha’s secretary and two of his companions.

According to information made available to LBCI, Samaha was arrested upon the request of acting public attorney, Judge Samir Hammoud.        

In details, when Samaha’s wife, Gladyss, demanded to see the judicial warrant, the officer in charge told her he could not show it to her, though it was in his possession. Accordingly, Samaha’s wife considered the arrest to be “illegal”.       

In a statement to LBCI, Gladyss said that security forces found an old Kalashnikov in the closet,  confirming that the case is of political nature since he [Samaha] represents a particular party. 

"The information division broke down the door and confiscated 17 items from inside the house", she added.

Exclusive security sources told LBCI that several officials had known about the arrest, mainly Interior Minister Marwan Charbel.

Reactions to Samaha’s arrest:

Commenting on Samaha's arrest, Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced, before a delegation from the Lebanese Editors Syndicate, that the arrest is based on security reasons and is not linked to espionage, adding “we are awaiting judicial investigations”.

Mikati pointed out that a judicial warrant was issued allowing investigations with Samaha over security issues, stressing that the STL is not involved in the case.      

Earlier, Justice Minister Chakib Kortbawi preferred not to comment on Samaha’s arrest, pointing out that investigations are still preliminary.

Kortbawi told LBCI that the acting public prosecutor must personally oversee investigations to make sure all the rights of Samaha are protected.    

For his part, acting public prosecuter, Judge Samir Hammoud told LBCI that investigations with Samaha must be conducted swiftly in order for the concerned authorities to take the appropriate judicial measure against him. According to Hammoud, investigations will decide whether to issue an arrest warrant against Samaha or release him.