BEIRUT: The group allegedly behind the kidnapping of seven Estonian tourists in the Bekaa region said the hostages were in good health, a news website reported Wednesday, quoting an email it received from the previously unknown Haraket al-Nadha Wal-Islah (Reform and Revival Movement).
According to Lebanon Files website, the movement demanded a ransom to release the hostages. In a previous email to the site, the group claimed responsibility for the kidnappings and posted photocopies of the IDs of three of the Estonians.
Security sources have so far arrested four suspects while two suspected kidnappers remain at large.
The U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams expressed concern over the abduction of the Estonian cyclists during a meeting with Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati Wednesday.
“I welcome the diligent efforts of Lebanon’s security forces and the Lebanese Army to uncover their whereabouts … I take this opportunity to once again appeal for their immediate release,” he said.
The tourists were kidnapped on March 23 while cycling in an industrial area close to the town of Zahle.
The men were kidnapped at around 5.30 p.m. after entering Lebanon from Syria, via the Masnaa border crossing, which officials have interpreted as an indication that the group was under surveillance before arriving in the Bekaa. – The Daily Star
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