Report: Gang Puts 'Kill List' in Arsal

A gang of Syrian and Lebanese nationals has compiled a hit list that includes the names of ten people in the northeastern border town of Arsal, As Sharq al-Awsat daily reported on Friday.

“There are gangs comprised of Lebanese and Syrian nationals who have singled out a list of specific names that they plan to terminate, ”Arsal's municipal chief Bassel al-Hujeiri told the daily in an interview.

On the other hand, security sources told the newspaper that “a list is being circulated and it includes ten names, seven of which are from Arsal including the town's mayor, while the other three are Syrians residing in Arsal whom the terror groups want to eliminate.”

Ever since the Syrian revolt erupted in March 2011, Arsal has served as a key conduit for extremists, refugees, rebels and wounded people fleeing strife-torn Syria.

Frequent clashes erupt between the Lebanese army and the Islamic State and al-Nusra Front rival jihadist groups in Arsal.

Militants from the IS and Nusra are entrenched in rugged mountains along the Lebanese-Syrian border and the Lebanese army regularly shells their positions.