Rumors spreading across Lebanon saying militants affiliated to Islamic State (IS) are being spotted in Zahleh, Sanine and Baskinta prompted the Army Command to put an end to such reports mushrooming over the media outlets as well as their dangers without verifying their authenticity.
Annahar daily highlighted the issue through the following report.
Islamic State has invaded our world, lives and minds through social media raising fears in our hearts. It paralyzed the logic in our brains and now we all fear its presence.
A week ago, an armed dispute erupted in Zahleh between Syrian workers near Tel Shiha Hostpital, the clash was recorded through mobile phones cameras and it was posted on social media pages under the title of "Islamic State militants arrested in Zahleh! Media outlets contributed in spreading the false news without verifying the truth from relevant sources.
So IS moved to Zahleh now. But why it is always IS and not Nusra Front or other armed extremist groups? IS is known to be the most extremist lethal group, it resorted to media and internet tools to control our minds which are lacking the national immunity, so it managed to pave its way that is full of fear.
The rumor of Zahleh incident mushroomed as it was reported by a Lebanese media outlet entitled "Islamic State militants deployed in Zahleh and Sanine".
Although "no further accurate information were provided" is the expression that concluded the news, however the title succeeded in paralyzing people's minds.
The lead of the news was written as follows: "Arsal Mayor announced that IS militants are deployed in Zahleh out skirts and Sanine Mounts," without pointing out the date and time of the statement.
Annahar daily contacted Arsal Mayor Ali al-Houjeiri for further clarifications, he responded "the militants are deployed in Nahleh town and not in Zahleh, also in Ras Baalbek and Britel," adding and in "Eastern Mountain Range."
It is worth to note here that Sanine Mountain is located in Western Mountain Range which is separated from Eastern Mountain Range through the Bekaa.
"Lebanese Army raided a hotel in Sanine and arrested Syrian nationals heavily armed," the news continued.
"The army deployed in Baskinta, Qanat Bakish and Sanine Mounts, while some residents are seen holding their arms and spread around the mounts to defend their towns, Baskinta, Bteghrine, Bikfaya and northern Metn. The army sent reinforcement and extended its deployment from Qanat Bakish, Sanine reaching Zahleh outskirts," the report added.
Annahar daily also contacted Baskinta Mayor Tanios Boutros Ghanem to check the validity of the report, since his town is mentioned in the news, he denied that residents were armed and deployed in the area stressing that "Lebanese Army is the first and last security reference."
To Sanine, who are Sanine residents? They are shepherds, peasants and workers. They are young men who cultivate the fields; they are the residents of Zahleh, Baskinta, Tarsheesh and neighboring villages. They are not affected by latest IS news so they resumed their daily activities.
Once you randomly ask a resident about the matter, he/she utterly dismisses it!
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