Baalbek Teen Kidnapping Draws Condemnation

A teenager was still being held hostage by his kidnappers on Saturday, three days after they abducted him from his father’s ranch in the Baalbek district, asking for a $150,000 ransom.

The National News Agency reported Friday that the three-member gang kidnapped 16-year-old Ziad Khaled Abou Esber from the cow ranch that lies in Adous valley on Wednesday night.

The father said the abductors asked him for a $150,000 ransom although he is suffering from financial problems since last year when a snowstorm badly damaged his farm.

Baalbek families have been visiting Abou Esber’s home to condemn the abduction as contrary to the values of residents in the area, said the NNA.

The families on Friday asked security forces and political parties to intensify their efforts to release the teen, the agency added.