Qatari Mediator to Head to Arsal to Push Release of Captive Servicemen
A Qatari negotiator, mediating the release of captive soldiers and policemen, is expected to arrive in Lebanon on Tuesday to discuss with jihadists, who kidnapped the servicemen, their new demands.
Al-Mustaqbal newspaper reported that the Qatari mediator will head to the outskirts of the northeastern border town of Arsal to directly discuss with the abductors their demands.
The jihadists are reportedly expected to convey new demands to release the abducted men.
On Monday, the Islamic State group threatened to execute two captive soldiers if the Lebanese state didn't meet an “achievable demand.”
Health Minister Wael Abu Faour confirmed receiving a letter from the abductors stating their demands, without elaborating.
Al-Nusra Front had threatened to execute a captive soldier over the weekend but backed down after contacting the Qatari mediator with the aim of “resuming the negotiations.”
Al-Nusra and the IS have been holding several troops and policemen hostage since August 2, when they overran Arsal and engaged in bloody clashes with the army.
The two groups have since executed three troops and threatened to murder more hostages if Lebanese authorities didn't fulfill their demands.
H.K.
G.K.
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