Egyptian sources announced Monday that a Hizbullah ringleader arrested in the Sinai Peninsula has admitted to planning attacks on Israelis there. Hizbullah head Hassan Nasrallah has claimed that the agent, Sami Shihab, was in Sinai to assist Hamas in Gaza, and had no intention of carrying out attacks in Egyptian territory.
Shihab admitted to planning attacks in Sinai, and told investigators that he was working with citizens of Syria, Sudan and Egypt as well as Lebanese terrorists. The attacks were to be revenge for the assassination of senior Hizbullah terrorist Imad Mughniyeh, Egyptian agents reported.
According to sources in the Egyptian police, Shihab held Hizbullah's “Egypt portfolio,” and was responsible for Hizbullah activities in the country. Hizbullah is also active in Jordan and Syria, according to Shihab's testimony as reported by Egypt.
Shihab was one of dozens of alleged Hizbullah agents arrested last week, and is accused of leading the group.
The 49 alleged agents face various charges, including espionage, illegal weapons possession, forgery, and conspiracy to assist a foreign military in Egypt.
13 Suspects Still on the Loose
Egyptian police are searching for 13 men suspected of belonging to the terrorist cell, officials announced Monday. The suspects are believed to be hiding in the Sinai Peninsula, and may be receiving help from local Bedouins.
Police fear that the cell members may escape north to Gaza, or head south to the coast, where many tourist resorts are located.
Ten of the remaining suspects are citizens of Lebanon. Their names came up during the interrogation of the 49 men who were already detained.