Two Lebanese security forces were released by their Al Nusrah Front captors after negotiations by the Muslim Scholars Committee. In return, the militants reportedly were assured that the “security grip on Arsal Syrian refugee camps will be eased.” A negotiator, Sheikh Mustafa al-Hujeiri a.k.a. Abu Taqiyeh, said there may be more kidnapped security personnel as yet unclaimed by militants, noting that they had been divided among Al Nusrah, various ISIS brigades, and other groups. The Army arrested 12 suspected militants outside Arsal. Saudi Arabia said interference by the Islamic State and other groups with Lebanon’s stability is a “red line.” Lebanon has asked the US to provide fixed-wing aircraft for close air support in operations against jihadists.
