Grand Serail Security Meeting: We Refuse Blackmail in Case of Abducted Soldiers

Prime Minister Tammam Salam chaired on Saturday a security meeting at the Grand Serail to address the security developments taking place in the northeastern town of Arsal.

Salam stressed after the talks: “The government stands united by the army in its open war against terrorists and it rejects blackmail in the case of abducted soldiers.”

The meeting was attended by Defense Minister Samir Moqbel and a number of security officials.

Moqbel stated after the meeting: “Military and security officials gave an integrated vision about the field conditions in Arsal.”

"We emphasized the need to follow up with the army and security forces that are countering takfiris,” he added. Moqbel also stressed the” refusal of extortion and bargaining over the army's heroics.”

“The threats of executing the soldiers by the terrorists are the main reasons that hindered the negotiation efforts to release the captives,” added the minister.

The government gave "intructions to the leaders of the army and security forces to take all conducive measures to apply military plans," calling for "zero tolerance with everything that threatens the integrity of Lebanon, the region of Arsal and its outskirts."

Arsal has been witnessing major security developments, the most recent was the death of two soldiers in a bomb that targeted army vehicles in Wadi Hmeid on Friday.

In August, the area witnessed clashes between the army and Islamist militants, who abducted a number of soldiers and policemen when the fighting ended.

The gunmen have since executed three of the captives, the latest victim being soldier Mohammed Hamiyeh on Friday.

Negotiations are being made for their release and the gunmen have been demanding the release of Islamists held in Roumieh prison in exchange for the captives.

Z.A.

M.T.