Syrian Hostage Freed, One Kidnapper Arrested in Bekaa

The Directorate General of General Security - Media, Guidance and Public Relations Department issued the following statement: "In line with its ongoing efforts to combat organized crime, on October 1, 2026, information was obtained by the Bekaa Regional Directorate of General Security – Zahle Office regarding two Lebanese individuals (A.Q., D.Q.) kidnapping a Syrian named (S.A.) and holding him captive inside a house near the Industrial City in Zahle, for financial extortion purposes.

As a result of field follow-up and investigations, it became clear that the kidnappers demanded a ransom from the victim's family in exchange for his release, exploiting their knowledge that his brother resides in a European country and is capable of securing the required amount. Immediately thereafter, a patrol from the Zahle Office executed a high-quality security operation, resulting in the liberation of the hostage and the arrest of one of the perpetrators, while his brother went into hiding; efforts are underway to arrest him.

Based on the referral from the Public Prosecution at the Court of Appeal in Bekaa, legal procedures were carried out against the detainee, who was referred to the competent judiciary."