“We are worried because Boko Haram has pledged loyalty to ISIS. And the botched trip of al-Assir is reawakening because it has confirmed Boko Haram’s claim.”
We have gathered the most notable facts about al-Assir, his criminal activities and allegations posed against him, and about the situation in general. Specifically, we ask what he has to do with ISIS.
1. Who is al-Assir and why was he declared wanted?
Two years ago he was a charismatic preacher vigorously speaking against Hezbollah (the military organization and political party dominating Lebanese affairs), which sought to limit his influence in the country. His followers often had clashes with Hezbollah proxies. In June 2013 al-Assir’s followers were involved in a gunfight at an army checkpoint and killed at least 18 soldiers.
The army insisted the bloody clash had started with the provocation of the cleric’s supporters at the site.
2. Disappearance and charges
Following the incident he mysteriously disappeared leaving his forces on the verge of defeat.
The Lebanese military judge accused al-Assir of having formed armed groups that attacked an institution of the state, the army, killed officers and soldiers, took explosive materials and light and heavy weapons and used them against the army. Military prosecutors sought the death penalty for him.
3. Purported links with ISIS
It is believed that the preacher has ties with the group. The information is, however, unconfirmed. He was once referred to as the “emir” of the ISIS branch in Lebanon.
Interestingly, it is mostly the Nigerian sources that headlined the story using the “ISIS leader”.
4. Two years later, he tried to flee, unsuccessfully
The cleric not only obtained a fake passport, but also changed his look in an attempt to board a plane in Beirut en route to Nigeria. However, the plan was uncovered.
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Changed his look to escape from Lebanona
5. Destination – Nigeria
He was arrested with a forged Palestinian travel document on him. However, Nigerians wondered how he had managed to obtain the Nigerian visa. And actually whether is was a real one.
6. Reactions, claims and unconfirmed reports tracking the development
Some sources claimed that al-Assir had never applied for the Nigerian visa at all, which means it was another fake document. Meanwhile, the presidency directed an investigation involving all the relevant agencies that might have been responsible for visa issuance.
7. Social media explodes with anti-Buhari comments
Some blamed President Muhammadu Buhari for the development, calling terrorists “Buhari men” and the president – “leader of Boko Haram”. Haters of the acting government even accused Buhari of having “invited” al-Assir to Nigeria. The presidency warned the public against posing mischievous allegations.
8. In defense of al-Assir
Abdulrahman al-Rashed, who is the former general manager of Al Arabiya News Channel, wrote a piece in which he accused the authorities of exercising double standards. See an extract from his piece below:
“Lebanese authorities on Saturday arrested Assir on charges of incitement and perverting the course of justice; however they have not arrested the three men wanted for the murder of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri… Although Assir deserves to be detained and tried, the Lebanese justice seems to be in its worst days as authorities arrest a religious preacher for his demagogy and inciting violence but allows murderers to remain at large because they are protected by Hezbollah!”
9. Interesting fact from al-Assir’s biography
Although he was born to a Shiite Muslim mother, his discourse was highly sectarian and he often accused Lebanon’s army of failing to protect Sunnis and being beholden to Hezbollah.
10. What next?
Assir’s confessions have so far led to the arrest of at least five people linked to the anti-Hezbollah firebrand preacher. According to one of the reports referring to the judicial sources the suspected terrorist will appear before a military court on September 15.
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