Lebanese security forces are tightening patrols in several locations throughout the country following intelligence about a large influx of extremist jihadi fighters from the Gulf into Lebanon since mid-August.

These extremists are planning terror attacks inside Lebanon and in several Arab states, according to news reports.

But a Lebanese security source told the Lebanese LBC channel that these accusations were an exaggeration and a way of intimidating people.

He did not rule out the claims were linked to the recent expulsion of Lebanese Shi’ites from the United Arab Emirates.

A “high ranking security source” told the Lebanese A-Safir that these accusations were unfounded and that no Gulf tourists had gone missing.

The source said the Lebanese security forces had previous information on suspects through Interpol and other security agencies with which Lebanon is cooperating to combat terrorism.

Akl Kairouz, a political scientist at the Notre Dame University of Beirut said he believed the charges were part of Hizbullah-led efforts to sow strife between Lebanon and the UAE.

“The accusations are part of a psychological warfare and propaganda campaign, launched by Hizbullah and Amal through Iranian forces in Lebanon,” he told The Media Line.

Relations were recently strained between Lebanon and the UAE after the latter decided to expel some Lebanese nationals. Around 300 Lebanese, mostly Shi’ites, have been expelled over the past three months.

Those deported claim the motive was their refusal to spy on the Lebanon-based Shia Hizbullah organization.

The say they were summoned by the UAE authorities and asked to spy on fellow Lebanese in the Emirates and on Hizbullah, or face deportation. There is also speculation that they were expelled because they were funding the Shia movement.
Gaza Palestinians have also been asked to leave the UAE.
The UAE denies that Lebanese nationals were deported on account of their Shia faith.
Beirut is demanding the UAE justify these expulsions but the Lebanese Foreign Minister said he had still not heard a response.

Kairouz believes there is no conflict between Lebanon and the UAE as states, but the recent developments in Iran’s nuclear program has the UAE worried about Shi’ites who are allied with Iran and they would prefer them to leave the country.

Lebanese security agencies recently carried out a census of Gulf nationals who came to Lebanon.

Most of the Gulf tourists who arrived in Lebanon during the summer were granted six-month visas instead of three-month permits because the month of Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr, so most still have valid entry permits.

It is estimated that some 700 UAE nationals entered Lebanon during the summer months and have not left.

The news reports said that some of these radical movements were affiliated with Al-Qa’ida and wanted to turn Lebanon into a new launching pad for the rest of the region, and especially for Iraq.

There are several “lost” nationals who are thought to be dispersed in several locations in Lebanon, including in Palestinian refugee camps such as Ein Al-Hilweh, Al-Burj A-Shimali, Mieh Mieh and Al-Buss.