Lebanese security sources categorically denied that there is a terrorist link to the incident of a stowaway on Saudi Nas Air flight and said investigations proved that Firas Haider, who hid in the plane's wheel bay and was found dead when the plane landed in Riyadh, was suffering from mental illness. A source said, “All the rumors circulated that Haider had martyrdom slogans and certain pictures in his pocket are untrue. These rumors are nothing but press fabrications in the wake of several similar incidents at Arab and international airports.” Sources said Lebanese security authorities did not exclude the possibility of a terrorist act when they opened an investigation into the incident, but investigations have proven that it was not an act of terrorism. Muhammad Shugair, the lawyer representing Haider's family, said the family will file a lawsuit against the airline, the airport, the plane's captain, airport security authorities and other people or organizations, if investigations show that they share responsibility. Shugair described Haider as very intelligent, but he said he was suffering from a very difficult financial situation and trying to work outside the country to help his family. Shugair categorically denied that Haider, who had excelled in school, suffered from mental illness. The case took political ramifications with the resignation of Beirut Airport Security Chief Brigadier Wafik Shugair. It is believed that relived of their posts, sources said. Ghazi Yousef, a member of Al-Mustaqbal Bloc, described the security situation at the Beirut airport as very complicated and said officials there have exchanged accusations over the incident. He added, “The Lebanese Army is tasked with the responsibility of preventing anyone from sneaking into the airport because the area is very sensitive and residential buildings are very close to the airport. However, this shows that anyone can easily sneak in.” Mustafa Aloush, a former member of Al-Mustaqbal Bloc, said airport security is more vital than the security of the land around the airport. He said buildings near the airport cause “vision difficulty” and added that these buildings cause acute problems for air traffic controllers. He emphasized that the security at the airport's perimeter does not fall within the state's powers and suggested that political cover for some authorities leads to carelessness and shortcomings in the airport's security services. Balal Farhat, a member of Hezbollah Bloc, said investigations must determine if there are security shortcomings at the airport and any problems must be immediately addressed. He said the matter is far more significant than Shugair's resignation.
