Report: Sheikh Confesses Prior Knowledge of Tripoli Blasts
Sheikh Ahmed al-Gharib, the main suspect in the twin bombings that targeted the northern city of Tripoli, confessed that he is involved in the blasts that killed around 35 people and wounded 900 others.
According to al-Joumhouria newspaper published on Tuesday, Gharib contradicted himself several times during investigations, carried out by the Internal Security Forces Intelligence Bureau.
The report said that Gharib confessed to his prior knowledge of the two blasts that targeted Sunni mosques in Tripoli and that a Syrian side is behind them.
However, Caretaker Interior Minister Marwan Charbel said in comments published in As Safir that “the person detained over Tripoli blasts hasn't confessed to anything yet.”
“Investigations are ongoing with him and with other people,” Charbel stated.
He pointed out that the judiciary will decide whether to release him or keep him in detention.
The first bomb struck in the city center at the al-Salam mosque as worshipers were still inside.
The second explosion struck just minutes later outside al-Taqwa mosque, about two kilometers away, near the port.
On Monday, al-Joumhouria reported that an informer, identified as Moustapha H., contacted the intelligence bureau claiming that he has important information over a Sheikh from Tripoli who is planning to target al-Mustaqbal MP Khaled al-Daher, former ISF chief Maj. Gen. Ashraf Rifi and Salafist cleric Sheikh Salem al-Rafehi.
The daily said on Tuesday the informer has financial disputes with Gharib.
A surveillance camera had spotted Gharib in the area near the explosion that took place near al-Salam mosque.
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