Syrian National Abducted in Bekaa Released after Five-Day Kidnap Ordeal

A Syrian national was released on Sunday in al-Hillanyieh in the Bekaa region after a five-day kidnap ordeal.

No ransom was paid for the kidnappers in exchange for the release of Abdul Karim Ali, the state-run National News Agency reported.

The NNA said that Ali was freed on the international highway in Baalbek.

"Ali walked until he reached nearby homes were he contacted the Lebanese army, which in turn transferred him to military center in the area," the agency added.

Three brothers from the Ali family were kidnapped on Monday in al-Hillaniyieh town on the Baalbek road in the Bekaa region.

Two of them were released shortly after a $20,000 ransom was paid for the abductors.

Kidnappers reportedly demanded the payment of a $500,000 ransom in exchange for the release of the third brother.

Kidnappings for ransom became common in Lebanon after the country witnessed a shaky security situation compelled by the developments in Syria.

H.K.