Kidnapped Syrians Escape from Families of Arsal Hostages

Eighteen Syrians, who were kidnapped by the relatives of Lebanese soldiers and policemen taken hostage by jihadists, have escaped, the state-run National News Agency reported Tuesday.

NNA said the relatives of the captives abducted the Syrians in Shmestar in Baalbek.

But the abductees broke the door of a warehouse where they were held and escaped, the agency added.

The soldiers and policemen were taken captive by militants who overran the northeastern border town of Arsal last month.

The gunmen withdrew to Syrian territories after a ceasefire was brokered by Sunni clergymen.

Several of the captives have been released on stages. But many remain in captivity.

G.K.

H.K.