Sources to LBCI: IS Chief negotiator in abducted LAF/ISF soldiers case, appointed leader of Fajr al-Islam Brigade

Sources told LBCI that the Islamic State Chief negotiator in the case of abducted Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security members, "Abou Talal" was appointed on Friday as leader of Fajr al-Islam Brigade to replace Imad Jomaa, who was arrested by the Lebanese army.

The arrest of Imad Jomaa at an army checkpoint triggered clashes between Syrian gunmen and the Lebanese army in the northeastern town of Arsal on Saturday (August 02).

The clashes left at least 20 soldiers dead and 86 injured, while at least 30 ISF and LAF soldiers remain missing, presumably kidnapped by the Islamic State and al-Nusra Front militants.

On Thursday (August 07), a military source stated that a truce in Arsal appeared to be holding and the situation in the border town was quiet.

The Muslim Scholars Committee has launched an initiative to ensure the return of the kidnapped soldiers and served as a mediator between the gunmen and the Lebanese authorities.

The gunmen had issued a list of demands, which include the release of several Islamist inmates from the infamous Roumieh prison. A demand the interior minister had rejected.

Lebanese security officials say the fighters include members of al Qaeda's Syria branch, the Nusra Front, and an al Qaeda splinter group, the Islamic State, which has seized swathes of land in Syria and Iraq.