Kidnapper of Taxi driver Joseph al-Khawli arrested

      
The state-run National News Agency reported on Tuesday that the Intelligence Branch of the Internal Security Forces arrested the kidnapper of taxi driver Joseph al-Khawli.                           

It said that the man who kidnapped al-Khawli was identified as L. Jaafar, and had planned another abduction.                      

No further details were provided of his arrest.                 

Reports emerged last week that the kidnapped man was released in the region of Deir Ammar, northern Lebanon, after the payment of a $12,000 ransom.                      

Al-Khawli was kidnapped from his Dora local point on dawn Wednesday [April 3rd] and a $50,000 USD ransom was demanded for his release.

Kidnapping for ransom has been on the rise in Lebanon recently, with several operations taking place throughout numerous Lebanese territories. The actions are not only limited to the wealthy, but are also targeting working class citizens.          

Al-Khawli’s abduction comes after President Michel Sleiman denounced the recent wave of kidnappings, deeming it an act that contradicts Lebanese traditions and urging security forces to exert extra efforts to secure the release of all hostages.