DNA Tests Reportedly Identify Bodies of Six Slain Soldiers

DNA tests in Lebanese hospitals have identified the bodies of six troops executed by the jihadist Islamist State group, LBCI television reported on Wednesday.

Nine bodies have been located and recovered as part of a Hizbullah-led deal with IS that also involved the evacuation of the jihadists and their families to eastern Syria and the handover of a Hizbullah captive and the bodies of several Hizbullah fighters.

The agreement followed separate but simultaneous anti-IS offensives by the Lebanese and Syrian armies and Hizbullah on both sides of the Lebanese-Syrian border which ended with the militants' surrender.

“After the identification of all bodies through DNA testing, the identities will be announced and a national funeral will be organized for the martyrs,” LBCI said.

The soldiers had been abducted during a 2014 invasion of the eastern border town of Arsal and their fate had been shrouded in mystery for more than two years.