Lebanon Inquiring about Fate of Three Lebanese Abducted in Iraq

Lebanon's Foreign Ministry said the abduction incident of three Lebanese nationals in Iraq's Baghdad is being followed up closely in a manner that suits the safety of the abductees, the National News Agency reported on Wednesday.

Three Lebanese businessmen identified as Imad Khatib, Nader Hamadeh and George Batrouni, were kidnapped on Sunday shortly after arriving in Baghdad, said NNA.

“The Ministry is following up on the matter in a manner that suits the safety of the kidnapped and that ensures their safe release,” a statement released by the ministry said.

It added urging “media outlets to adhere to professional standards in a manner consistent with the accuracy of the incident.”

Later on Wednesday, Lebanon's Interior Ministry said it had been following up on the kidnap incident since Sunday night.

"A security delegation from the ministry headed to Iraq to follow up on the developments on the ground," the ministry said.

"The main concern for the Lebanese government, the Interior Ministry and the families is the safety of the three abductees and securing their speedy return to Lebanon through exerting all the possible efforts in this regard," the ministry added.

Kidnappings for ransom or for sectarian or political reasons were rife in Iraq following the US-led invasion of 2003 that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, but they had become less common from 2015 onwards.