Judge Dany al-Zaani, on Wednesday filed new charges against terrorist Ahmad al-Assir for forming terrorist cells in many regions, planning for assassinating political and spiritual figures

Military commissioner, Judge Dany al-Zaani, on Wednesday filed new charges against terrorist Ahmad al-Assir for forming terrorist cells in many regions, planning for assassinating political and spiritual figures, and inciting for attacking the military institution.

Assir, Khaled Ozor and Hussam al-Rifahi were charged with the formation of an armed gang with the purpose of undermining the state authority, the attempted murder of soldiers and funding a group operated by extremist cleric Sheikh Khaled Hoblos, reports said.

Hoblos was arrested in April during a police operation in the northern city of Tripoli. Notorious militant Osama Mansour, who was wanted on terrorism charges, and one of his partners was killed in the operation.

Investigations with Hoblos uncovered dormant militant cells in north Lebanon that were set to be armed by the radical preacher before his arrest.

The three defendants were charged under articles in the Criminal Code for crimes of terrorism.

The case was referred to Military Investigative Judge Riad Abu Ghaida. Abu Ghaida is expected to start questioning the suspects on Thursday.