Authorities are trying to confirm reports a dual Australian-Syrian national has been detained in Lebanon on suspicion of terrorism.
Mark Eddie Maximus was arrested in the Dam wal Farz area of Tripoli, which is in the country's north and a hotbed of extremist activity, according to local media.
He was reportedly arrested on Sunday following an exchange of gunfire after the vehicle he was travelling in was stopped by authorities who had received information he was planning a terrorist attack.
"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is seeking to confirm reports of the detention of an Australian man in Tripoli, Lebanon on suspicion of terrorism-related offences," a spokesperson with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in a statement.
Northern Lebanon, and Lebanon's border areas with Syria, are listed as do not travel destinations in Australia's travel advice.
The ABC reports that Maximus is believed to be a dual Australian-Syrian national.
He was detained by army intelligence officers on "suspicion of belonging to a terrorist group", according to an English translation of a Voice of Lebanon radio report.
