Universal Syriac Union Party applauds Lebanese Army for successful rescue operation
BEIRUT — President of the Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP) and Secretary General of the Christian Front Ibrahim Mrad expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the Lebanese Army and security forces for their swift and remarkable efforts in freeing a kidnapped Saudi citizen and apprehending his kidnappers.
Mrad took the opportunity to call upon the Arab and international communities to similarly free Lebanon and its people from the clutches of kidnappers and occupiers. He emphasized the need for tangible actions to demonstrate genuine support for Lebanon and its people, rather than mere rhetoric.
In a statement, Mrad conveyed a message to Lebanese groups operating outside the boundaries of the law and the state framework.
“The kidnapping of the Saudi citizen aims to convey a message that the hands of criminals and vandals are stronger than the state, portraying Lebanon as an unsafe country for tourism, particularly for our Gulf brothers,” he stated. “It is also a veiled political message, as the professionalism displayed by the kidnappers signifies their disregard for the rule of law.”
Mrad extended his congratulations to the leadership and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, expressing hope that they would not hold the Lebanese people accountable for the incident. He affirmed the Lebanese people’s deep respect and appreciation for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“These actions are the work of a terrorist militia that has inflicted widespread terrorism, kidnapping, murder, and devastation upon Lebanon, as well as neighboring countries in the region,” added Mrad.
Mrad’s statement follows the announcement by the Lebanese Army that a Lebanese intelligence patrol successfully freed the kidnapped Saudi citizen, Mashary al-Mutairi, in an operation along the Lebanese-Syrian border. The authorities also arrested those involved in the kidnapping.
Al-Mutairi, an employee of Saudi Airlines, had been abducted by armed terrorist militias in Beirut, who demanded a ransom of $400,000 for his release.
The incident has provoked concerns and disapproval from both Lebanese and Saudi communities, highlighting the deteriorating security situation in Lebanon. The recurrence of kidnappings and ransom demands, particularly in regions like Dahiyeh and Bekaa, where Iranian-backed Hezbollah weapons are prevalent, has intensified the perceived danger.