Anguished Family Meets Abducted Soldier on Outskirts of Arsal

The family of abducted soldier Abdul Rahim Diab revealed on Saturday that they visited him on the outskirts of the eastern town of Arsal, describing his condition as “tragic.”

The family of Diab said in a statement that the visit occurred on Wednesday, refusing to disclose further details.

“We will remain mum concerning the circumstances of the visit at the will of the follow up committee, in accordance with the secrecy policy (adopted by the cabinet) and in an attempt to maintain the lives of the kidnapped servicemen,” the statement said.

Diab's mother called on Prime Minister Tammam Salam, General Security chief Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim and Health Minister Wael Abou Faour to put negotiations on the front burner.

“My son's life is in your hands,” the mother pleaded.

Last week, the relatives of the abducted servicemen retracted after meeting with Ibrahim threats to escalate their measures, stressing that negotiations with the Islamist gunmen are on the right track.

However, they kept the door open for any escalation if the government neglected their case.

Negotiations with the al-Qaida-affiliate al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State became discrete after the government urged the families to remain mum about the mediation in the case to ensure the release of their sons.

The policemen and soldiers were abducted by the Islamist gunmen in the wake of battles in the eastern border town of Arsal in August.

A few of them have since been released, four were executed, while the rest are still being held.

The hostage-takers had warned several times the Lebanese authorities that they would kill more captives if they did not meet their demands.

Among their demands is the release of Islamist prisoners in Lebanon.

H.K.

D.A.