Naharnet

Nusra Hands over Body of Bazzal 4 Months after Execution

Al-Nusra Front militants on Thursday handed over the body of Lebanese policeman Ali al-Bazzal, who was executed late last year, to Muslim scholars, the state-run National News Agency reported.

NNA said the body will be delivered to his family after DNA tests confirm his identity.

Al-Nusra Front said in December that it had shot dead the policeman to avenge the arrest of Islamic militants' wives and children.

“Executing one of the prisoners of war in our custody, Ali al-BAzzal is the (minimal) response to filthy Lebanese army actions,” it said in a statement on twitter.

Al-Bazzal was among Lebanese soldiers and policemen abducted by jihadists from al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State group in August when they overran the northeastern border town of Arsal.

Three other servicemen have also been executed.

Meanwhile, General Security chief Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim said Thursday that the negotiations with al-Nusra Front have made more progress than the talks with the IS to secure the release of the hostages.

G.K.

M.T.


Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/174027