Families of Arsal Captives Renew Calls, Protest Near Qatari Embassy

Families of the abducted Arsal soldiers held a brief sit-in near the Qatari embassy in Beirut, amid heightened security presence, protesting the delay in efforts to free their sons, the National News Agency said.

The families called on the state of Qatar to complete the efforts and help free their abducted sons “before the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end.”

They extended gratitude to the Qatari authorities and urged them to accelerate efforts saying “we are optimistic on the Qatari endeavors and extend our gratitude for the efforts of Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad al-Thani.”

The soldiers and police were taken hostage by al-Nusra Front and Islamic State group fighters when they overran the northeastern border town of Arsal in August.

The jihadists have executed four of the captives.

Among the demands of the hostage-takers is the release of Islamists from Roumieh.