Arsal Captives Video Footage: 'We Will Pay Price if Qalamoun Front Ignites'
The Arsal soldiers kidnapped by al-Nusra Front stated anxiously via a video footage circulated by the militants on Tuesday, that they will be executed if Syria's Qalamoun front was waged.
“If the Lebanese army and Hizbullah were dragged into a battle in Qalamoun, we will be the ones to pay the price,” one of the soldiers said.
“The army and Hizbullah are involving themselves in matters not of their concern.”
They voiced fears that negotiations to free them are not serious nor honest and said: “General Security chief Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim is lying to the families of the soldiers.
“Where is the proof that we will be released in 10 days?” they inquired.
They called on the Shiite community to confront Hizbullah, saying “We call on our Shiite families to stand in the face of Hizbullah.”
Earlier, al-Nusra Front has warned the Lebanese government that it will kill all military servicemen in its custody, if the Lebanese army continues to shell its positions on the outskirts of Arsal, the daily An Nahar reported.
Al-Nusra dispatched the message through a mediator from the Lebanese army, saying “if shelling on the outskirts of Arsal continues, we will kill the soldiers one after another.”
The Lebanese army continues to target terrorists in Bekaa's town of Arsal bordering Syria.
In August 2014, the area has witnessed extensive clashes between the army, the Islamic State and al-Nusra Front killing 20 soldiers, 16 civilians and scores of militants.
Moreover, more than 25 soldiers have been taken hostage by the militants. The Islamic State beheaded two soldiers while al-Nusra executed another two.
To free the soldiers, al-Nusra demands an exchange with Islamic inmates at Roumieh prison.
D.A.
G.K.
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