Lebanese authorities are preparing to launch a comprehensive investigation after Jordan dismantled a terror cell allegedly plotting attacks inside the kingdom, with reported connections to individuals who received training in Lebanon.

The case has raised alarms among Lebanon’s political, judicial, and security institutions following revelations from Jordanian intelligence that the cell had been involved in manufacturing missiles and drones, and recruiting operatives to carry out attacks.

Security sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Brigadier General Tony Qahwaji, head of Lebanese Army Intelligence, received a call from his Jordanian counterpart with a briefing on the developments. The Jordanian official also informed Qahwaji that a detailed case file, including intelligence and evidence gathered during the investigation, would be delivered to Beirut within the next two to three days, either through intelligence channels or diplomatic courier.

Jordanian authorities have already released video confessions from several suspects, who admitted to building weapons, conducting training sessions, and plotting operations targeting Jordan’s national security. The suspects also identified themselves as members of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Lebanon's judiciary, working in tandem with Army Intelligence and other security agencies, is preparing to open an investigation. Jamal Al-Hajjar, Lebanon’s Public Prosecutor at the Court of Cassation, confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat that he has spoken with General Qahwaji and other top security officials about the case. He said he had asked to be informed immediately upon the file’s arrival so Lebanon could “immediately open a comprehensive and thorough investigation.”

“We need tangible evidence to determine where the group was trained inside Lebanon, who supervised the training, who tasked them with operations in Jordan, and whether there was any planning for sabotage not only in Jordan, but possibly in Lebanon as well,” Al-Hajjar said.

The case has sparked considerable concern in Lebanon, with local media reporting that four Palestinians affiliated with Hamas were arrested in connection with the network. Al-Hajjar denied that any individuals had been arrested in Lebanon in relation to the Jordanian case but confirmed that he had issued warrants against individuals suspected of launching rockets from southern Lebanon into northern Israel — an incident that prompted Israeli retaliatory strikes and caused casualties.

According to Jordanian intelligence, the network included eight key individuals: three involved in missile production, one responsible for initial recruitment, two more who carried out follow-up recruitment, and another two accused of building drones. One suspect claimed he and an accomplice underwent a lie detector test upon arriving in Beirut, where they then received hands-on training in operating a manual lathe.

The suspect recounted that upon arrival in the Lebanese capital, they were met by handlers who took them to a workshop set up inside a residential building’s garage. There, they trained on machines similar to those they would later use in Jordan. After completing their training, they returned home. The same handler in Beirut later asked them to procure equipment and set up a workshop in Jordan to begin their own operations.

Lebanese Justice Minister Adel Nassar said authorities have not yet received definitive information about the identities or nationalities of the suspects. In remarks to Russia’s Sputnik news agency, Nassar emphasized Lebanon’s full readiness to cooperate with Jordan to uncover and dismantle any terrorist networks.

“Investigations are still ongoing,” he said. “There is no confirmed information so far regarding the involvement of Lebanese nationals in the cell, nor how any suspects may have entered Lebanon for training.”

Nassar added that both countries have agreed to continue coordinating the case through Lebanon’s public prosecutor’s office, and that Beirut would take the necessary legal action once more information becomes available.

“This matter touches directly on Lebanon’s national security priorities,” he said. “We take such threats very seriously and expect full bilateral cooperation, especially when a terrorist network may involve actors across borders.”

He also noted that, at this stage, there is no evidence linking recent arrests in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon to the Jordanian cell.