Beirut:A former member of Iraq's parliament, Ahmed al-Alwani, was found dead in a Beirut apartment, leading to an investigation by Lebanese and Iraqi authorities. The 57-year-old was discovered murdered in the Tariq Jadida neighborhood, but officials have not disclosed any details regarding the manner of his death or identified any suspects.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the Lebanese Internal Security Forces' Information Branch is conducting the investigation under the direct supervision of Judge Ahmad Rami al-Hajj, the country's top prosecutor. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the killing, emphasizing the importance of maintaining security in the capital and ensuring accountability.

Iraqi Ambassador Mohammed Reda al-Husseini stated that the Iraqi embassy is closely following the case with Lebanese security agencies and awaiting the investigation's findings. He noted that a judge has been assigned to oversee the inquiry. Alwani's media office, through a statement on the US social media platform X, called for Iraqi authorities to collaborate with Lebanon on a transparent investigation to bring those responsible to justice.

In a separate incident, Prime Minister Salam addressed the detention of five young men by security forces in a mountainous area in northern Lebanon. The men have been transferred to Beirut for questioning. Media reports suggest a possible connection to Hezbollah, though no official confirmation has been provided. The arrest raised suspicions, as the detainees reportedly tore up papers containing names, which were seized by security forces but remain unverified as maps or security documents.

Ahmed al-Alwani was a former representative of western Iraq's Anbar province and chaired its economic committee. He was known for supporting protests against the government of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in 2012 and 2013. Alwani was arrested in December 2013 and spent over 11 years in detention before his release under a general amnesty in April 2025.