Lebanon launched a manhunt on Tuesday for an Islamist detainee being held on terror charges who escaped from the country's largest prison in a pre-dawn jail break. "Taha Ahmad Haji Sleiman, who has dual Syrian and Palestinian nationality, escaped this morning from Rumieh prison," an army spokesman said. Troops backed by helicopters are searching for the fugitive, who is charged with belonging to a "terrorist network," the al-Qaeda inspired Fatah al-Islam militia which fought deadly battles with the Lebanese army in 2007. Seven other inmates also belonging to Fatah al-Islam attempted to break out with him but were recaptured, the army spokesman said.
Hajj Suleiman was being held on terrorism charges, including bombings. Prison security officers arrested the seven inmates who helped him flee.
Fatah al-Islam fought the Lebanese army in a 15-week battle at a Palestinian refugee camp in 2007. More than 440 people, including 170 soldiers, were killed before the armed group was routed at Nahr al-Bared camp in north Lebanon. Some of its members were blamed for later bombings and attacks on army targets.