Al-Qaeda is gaining influence in Lebanon after it faced setbacks in Iraq and Syria, Reuters news agency reported on Thursday.

Al-Qaeda is gaining influence in Lebanon after it faced setbacks in Iraq and Syria, Reuters news agency reported on Thursday.

The agency quoted sources close to the extremist group as saying that Lebanon’s increasing sectarian violence and the turmoil caused by the Syrian conflict, has helped the Takfiris gain influence.

 “In Syria, the al Qaeda-linked Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) holds territory in the north and east but has been on the defensive in recent weeks after coming under attack from rival rebel groups that resent its harsh rule.”

“The sources say it is now seeking to expand in Lebanon, particularly the northern city of Tripoli, plagued by violence and lawlessness since the start of Syria's uprising nearly three years ago,” the agency noted.

“The accounts from the sources, including fighters who support and oppose al Qaeda in Syria, appeared to be supported at the weekend when a statement in the name of Abu Sayyaf al-Ansary - described as al Qaeda's commander in Lebanon - said the group had put down roots in Lebanon.”

In an audio statement Ansary declared allegiance to the head of ISIL. Speaking, he said, from Tripoli, he announced Lebanon would be a gateway for al Qaeda to strike at Israel.

According to the report, “several Syrian rebel sources said the group was in the final stages of establishing itself in Lebanon's north - a region seen as fertile ground for the group where many people have adopted a stricter interpretation of Sunni Islam in the past few years.”