The Saudi ambassador to Lebanon, Walid Bukhari, confirmed that medical examinations were conducted for the Saudi citizen, Meshari Al-Mutairi, who was kidnapped two days ago, indicating that he is fine and in good health.
In turn, the Lebanese Minister of Interior, Bassam Mawlawi, revealed that 9 people had been arrested in connection with the kidnapping case. He added, in a press conference, today, Tuesday, that the issue of kidnapping the Saudi citizen received great attention, indicating that his kidnappers monitored his movements and contacts.
He also explained that the army carried out searches in the northern Bekaa to free the kidnapped, stressing that what happened was a complete crime.
He stressed that relations with Saudi Arabia are stable and that no one can destabilize them, and that Lebanon will confront anyone who tries to disturb its relations with the brothers.
Edit it with a quality process
The Lebanese army announced the liberation of Al-Mutairi earlier today, and explained that a patrol from the Intelligence Directorate managed to liberate him after a qualitative operation on the Lebanese-Syrian border.
And Al-Arabiya sources previously reported that the Saudi citizen works for Saudi Airlines, called “M.M.” He was last seen near the “Al-Bayal” complex in downtown Beirut.
It also indicated that he was kidnapped at dawn on his way to his home in Aramoun after being watched by two cars carrying 7 people, including those wearing military uniforms.
ransom demand
While his family later received a call from his phone number, asking his kidnappers for $400,000 in exchange for his release.
Although the incident is not the first of its kind, especially in the recent period, due to the deterioration of the economic situation, Lebanon has rarely witnessed in recent years kidnappings of Arab or foreign nationals.
It is noteworthy that the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon had witnessed some tensions two years ago, and the Kingdom decided on October 29, 2021 to summon its ambassador, Walid Al-Bukhari, for consultations, and to leave the Lebanese ambassador to the Kingdom. It also urged its citizens not to travel to Beirut at the time, in order to preserve their security.
However, the return of the ambassadors resumed later, in April of last year 2022.
