Rumors fly over fugitive Fatah al-Islam leader
Conflicting reports were circulated in the media on Monday concerning wanted Fatah al-Islam leader Abdul Rahman Awad. Al-Liwaa newspaper said that Awad may have headed to Turkey to live with a Lebanese extremist known as Abu Bakr Aqida. Al-Liwaa said Awad was last seen last week in what is known as the Taware neighborhood of the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in Sidon. Conversely,
An-Nahar newspaper said Monday that another militant group, Osbat al-Ansar, had played a role alongside a leading Palestinian figure in hiding Awad and his aides. It said Lebanese security forces have confirmed information that Awad was still inside Ain al-Hilweh.
Meanwhile, a Lebanese security official told Al-Akhbar daily on Monday that Osbat al-Ansar knows Awad”s hideout, adding that the group was in the process of cutting a deal with Lebanese authorities for the arrest of Awad or his handover based on a number of conditions, including ending the government”s chase against Osbat al-Ansar members.