Lebanese Parliament Speaker Berri and the Head of the Progressive Socialist Party Jumblatt Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and the Head of the Progressive Socialist Party Walid Jumblatt have taken additional precautionary measures in their travels after receiving information that their lives might be in danger, local sources told ‘Arabstoday’ on Monday.
The sources said that security officials have advised both politicians to be careful, particularly when leaving their respective residences in Ain El-Tineh and Clemenceau.
The information came two days after the Interior Minister Marwan Charbel confirmed the discovery of a plot against the General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces headquarters in the district of Ashrafieh, with possible targets being ISF chief Maj. Gen. Ashraf Rifi and Head of the Information Branch Brig. Gen. Wissam al-Hasan.
The sources also said that a number of politicians have taken additional security measures, including riding taxis instead of their own cars when heading to their offices.
Mr. Berri said “such security coordination is needed, especially at this stage. The Information Branch and its head Wissam Al-Hasan are doing what is required of them.”
The developments are reminiscent of the era following the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, when a series of car bombings and assassinations targeted lawmakers and journalists alike.