Turkish intelligence agency to ‘secure’ release of kidnapped Lebanese pilgrims

ANKARA – Anatolia News Agency

The kidnapped pilgrims said their health condition was good and their morale remained high. AA Photo

Lebanese pilgrims kidnapped in Aleppo in May 2012 are expected to be freed within days on the initiative of the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MİT).

Syrian opposition groups linked to the Free Syrian Army (FSA) kidnapped a group of 11 Lebanese Shiite pilgrims traveling to Iran after they crossed into Syria from Turkey. Two pilgrims have been released thanks to the intervention of Turkish diplomats, however, nine are still being held hostage.

MİT is expected to secure the release of the pilgrims, according to Anatolia news agency, which also recorded footage of them in an unknown location.

The kidnapped pilgrims said their health condition was good and their morale remained high, as they were confident they would return to their homes.