Conflicting reports surfaced today about the fate of Fatah al-Islam's deputy commander, Abu Hureira, a Lebanese whose real name is Shehab al-Qaddour. Earlier it was reported that he was killed Sunday in the fighting against the Lebanese army New reports are saying that he was very seriously wounded in his arm and leg, but that he is still alive. New TV station which supports the Hezbollah led opposition has claimed that one of its reporters was able to call Abu Hureira and speak with him. Ya Libnan could not confirm New TV's report, but will update our reports as soon as we find out the status of Abu Hureira.Earlier Ya Libnan has also reported that the Lebanese army has killed a top Fatah al-Islam militant known as Abu Riad Ghali. A Correspondent for the NNA said army troops continue to have the upper hand and are in "full control over all axes" to Nahr al-Bared following heavy confrontations between the military and extremist fighters on Sunday. NNA also added " the fighting has subsided and it is much quieter right now."
NNA said the army advance was part of a plan aimed at tightening the noose on the militants who have been cornered in the operation that began Sunday morning on the camp's Samed, Cooperative and al-Khan neighborhoods. The army plan is being applied exactly as planned according to NNA.
Meanwhile, Al-Arabiya TV correspondent said in a live report from the scene of the fighting that Lebanese troops penetrated deep into Nahr al-Bared and were locked in "violent street battles" with Fatah al-Islam militants around the Cooperative building inside the northern refugee camp. Earlier, the army denied that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon was helping Lebanese troops in their fight against Fatah al-Islam militants. The army according to NNA has rounded up more than 20 militants for questioning.