Ali Awwadh Asiri, the Kingdom's ambassador to Lebanon, confirmed that there were no Saudis in the terrorist cell uncovered in Lebanon. The cell was planning to carry out terrorist acts against international forces working in southern Lebanon (UNIFIL). Asiri said that Lebanese security authorities have confirmed that there were no Saudi citizens in this cell. He said that what has been published by some in the media was mere speculation and false information and demanded that the media be more precise and endeavor to get information from proper sources instead of publishing fabricated stories. Lebanese authorities uncovered a new terrorist cell comprising ten people of Arab nationalities who have links with Al-Qaeda. They were planning to carry out several operations including attacks against UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon and the removal of wanted terrorists from Ain Al-Hilwah Camp to outside Lebanon. They also had the intention of monitoring banks and jewelry centers with the aim of carrying out robberies so as to secure the financing of these operations. In another development, Asiri said the Saudi Embassy in Beirut has mobilized its staff to serve the thousands of Saudi tourists now present in Lebanon. He pointed out that embassy personnel are working around-the-clock to deal with any complaints and inquiries made by Saudi tourists.
