Aussie confirmed arrested in Lebanon

DFAT consular officials are seeking access to an Australian man who has been arrested in Lebanon.

Consular officials are seeking access to an Australian man of Lebanese descent who has been arrested in northern Lebanon, reportedly on suspicion of having terrorist links.

The man, referred to as only TH, was arrested on Sunday night at his house in Dahr al-Ain, a Maronite village in Koura district, after a raid by the Lebanese Army, the country's National News Agency reported on Monday.

The news agency did not provide details of the arrest, but said authorities suspect the man's connection to terrorist organisations.

It's understood that the Australian Embassy in Beirut has now confirmed the man's arrest with Lebanese authorities.

DFAT is seeking further information and access to the man to offer consular assistance.

The man's uncle has told the ABC his nephew was in Lebanon to get married and that authorities were mistaken about his reasons for being in the area.

The arrest comes after thousands of people of different nationalities in recent months have joined the al-Qaeda affiliate al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State, which controls large areas of Iraq and Syria since proclaiming its caliphate in June.


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Source: AAP


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