IS beheading of Shiite soldier threatens Lebanon's stability
The latest killing by the Islamic State raises worries that Shiite families and clans might retaliate against the Syrian refugee camps in the Bekaa, where many IS supporters are suspected to be present.
On the afternoon of Sept. 6, Islamic State (IS) gunmen disseminated the news that they had beheaded a Lebanese soldier they were holding captive.
The gunmen are still holding more than a dozen Lebanese soldiers, whom they kidnapped during clashes Aug. 2 in rugged terrain around Arsal in northeast Lebanon.
During weeks of indirect negotiations between IS and Lebanese authorities, the gunmen demanded the release of more than 400 Islamists from Lebanese prisons; most of the imprisoned Islamists are accused of committing terrorist acts.
In a move to pressure Lebanese officials, IS gunmen beheaded Lebanese soldier Ali al-Sayed, a Sunni from Akkar, and threatened to kill others unless their demands were met. But on Sept. 4, the Lebanese Cabinet rejected any direct negotiations with the kidnappers and also rejected any deal to swap or exchange imprisoned Islamists for the soldiers.
