Lebanon investigates Syrian militia leader's abduction to Syria

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 21:02 · Archive

Lebanese authorities are investigating how a former Syrian militia commander was kidnapped in Lebanon and transferred to Syria.

Lebanese authorities opened an investigation Friday into how a former Syrian militia commander was kidnapped in Lebanon and transferred to Syria. Syria's intelligence department said Thursday that it had detained Ali Kayali, also known as Mihrac Ural, as he attempted to flee from Syria across the border. The department alleged that Kayali was responsible for killings in 2013 in the coastal town of Baniyas that left hundreds of people dead.

Kayali had been living in the Lebanese mountain town of Mansouriyeh. Authorities asked army intelligence and police intelligence units to analyse telecommunication calls to determine whether he was taken to the Syrian Embassy outside Beirut or directly to Syria after being picked up. A handcuffed photo of Kayali surfaced on social media showing him between two Syrian flags, and Lebanese authorities were investigating whether it was taken at the Syrian Embassy in Lebanon.

Syrian authorities released a photo of the Turkey-born Kayali, aged 68, in a prison uniform. He was one of Syria's most wanted figures and blamed for sectarian killings during Bashar Assad's crackdown on opposition in the early years of the conflict that began in March 2011. News of his arrest led to celebrations in parts of Syria. A Syrian official did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the alleged kidnapping.

How it is being reported

• Lebanon opens investigation into Syrian militia leader's abduction and transfer to SyriaLebanese authorities are investigating how a former Syrian militia commander was kidnapped in Lebanon and taken to Syria.Clickorlando · 16 Oct, 20:29
• Lebanon opens investigation into Syrian militia leader's abduction and transfer to SyriaLebanese authorities are investigating how a former Syrian militia commander was kidnapped in Lebanon and taken to Syria.News4Jax · 16 Oct, 20:29

In this story: Ali Kayali · Lebanon · Syria · Bashar Assad · Baniyas · Mansouriyeh

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