Lebanon hopes for return of kidnapped soldiers
As Lebanese media outlets report a deal with Jabhat al-Nusra for the release of 16 Lebanese soldiers kidnapped during the battle of Arsal in August, questions remain about support for the terrorist organization in Lebanese territory.
BEIRUT — During the past week, the Lebanese media has been reporting that an imminent deal between the Lebanese authorities and armed groups will release Lebanese soldiers held hostage in the barren lands of Arsal since Aug. 2. Wadi Press even went so far as to confirm that the deal had materialized at the end of last week.
The press leaks prompted the Lebanese General Security Directorate, the body in charge of the negotiation process between the Lebanese authorities and the armed terrorist groups, to issue a response statement May 23.
A Lebanese government source confirmed to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that the negotiations with the kidnappers have come a long way and to expect a surprise very shortly. The same source said that the current negotiations are taking place with militants of Jabhat al-Nusra, which vows ideological allegiance to al-Qaeda, led by Ayman al-Zawahri.
It should be noted that the Lebanese soldiers kidnapped in Arsal on Aug. 2 were divided between Jabhat al-Nusra and the Islamic State (IS). However, the latter remained out of the negotiating process, which was mediated by Qatar. Doha keeps telling Lebanese authorities that it has nothing to do with IS militants and has no contact with them, and even advises Lebanon to ask the Saudi authorities whether Riyadh has any contact with IS terrorists.
