Jdeidet Yabous, Syria – The Syrian leader of an Islamic militant group blew himself up Tuesday after trying to cross into Lebanon and engaging in a gun battle with Syrian border forces. Two border guards were wounded.
The incident raises questions about the security of the Lebanese-Syrian frontier, which Israel contends is a gateway for weapons to rearm Hezbollah militants.
It comes at a time of increased tension in Lebanon as the struggle intensifies between the anti-Syria government and factions led by Hezbollah, Syria’s ally in Lebanon.
The Syrian Interior Ministry said in a statement that the clash began when Omar Abdullah, 28, the leader of the Islamic militant group Tawhid and Jihad, was challenged when he tried to cross into Lebanon with fake documents.
A witness said Abdullah was standing outside the passport control building when security agents approached. He opened fire with a handgun, wounding two guards, then ran toward the nearby village of Kfeir Yabous about 500 yards away.
More security forces arrived, started shooting and apparently hit the gunman, said the witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of reprisals. He said the attacker raised one hand in a gesture of surrender but used the other to detonate an explosives belt.
Blood could be seen splattered on the rocky terrain nearby.
The Interior Ministry said nine fake identification documents were found on Abdullah, who also used the name Omar Hamra.
Syria has refused to allow international forces to monitor the mountainous region along its shared border with Lebanon. Israel says improving border security is key to preventing Hezbollah, which is backed by Syria and Iran, from rebuilding its arsenal, depleted during last summer’s war.
It was not clear whether Abdullah intended to carry out a suicide bombing in Lebanon or whether he aimed to attack the border post.
