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DNA tests confirm detainee is man sought in Iranian Embassy bombing

BEIRUT, Lebanon, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- DNA tests have confirmed a man arrested in Lebanon is wanted in connection with the bombing of the Iranian Embassy in Beirut last year, an official said Friday.

A security official said the man has been identified as Majid al-Majid, the head of the Abdullah Azzam Brigades, which claimed responsibility for the Nov. 19 suicide bombing, the Daily Star in Beirut reported.

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DNA samples from relatives in Saudi Arabia confirmed his identity, the official said.

The attack killed 30 people, including an Iranian diplomat, and wounded 150 others.

Majid was captured last week by the Lebanese army, although his arrest was not announced by Lebanese security officials until Wednesday. Officials said Majid was being questioned at a secret location.

The Abdullah Azzam Brigades are an offshoot of al-Qaida. They warned attacks such as those on the embassy would continue unless Hezbollah withdrew its forces from Syria.

Majid is on Saudi Arabia's list of 85 most wanted individuals for his links to al-Qaida.

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