Iraqi Freed after Brief Abduction in Baalbek

An Iraqi young man was released at dawn Monday after a brief kidnap in the eastern Bekaa region, state-run National News Agency reported.

“Iraqi citizen Mohammed al-Bahrani has been freed without a ransom,” NNA said.

“He was handed over at 2:00 am at the Lebanese-Syrian border in Hermel after efforts by Internal Security Forces chief Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Basbous,” the agency added.

“He is now in the custody of a merchant from the city of Baalbek and preparations are underway to hand him over to his family,” NNA said.

The agency had reported Sunday that the 22-year-old man was abducted by “unknown individuals riding an SUV” in an area behind the cemetery in Baalbek's al-Solh neighborhood.