Kahwaji Marks Liberation Day by Vowing to Free Captive Soldiers

Local Editor

Lebanese Army commander Gen. Jean Kahwagi Tuesday renewed the military's commitment in revealing the fate of the nine Lebanese soldiers who were captured by Daesh [Arabic acronym for "ISIS" / "ISIL"] in August 2014.

On the occasion of the 16th anniversary for the liberation of South Lebanon, Kahwaji vowed that the army "will undertake all the necessary means to reveal the fate of the abductees [held by] terror organizations and liberate them like their freed comrades."
He also expressed deep sympathy with the families of the nine soldiers.

The soldiers were kidnapped in August 2014 when Daesh and the al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front briefly overran Lebanon's border town of Arsal.

In a deal negotiated by Qatari officials, the Nusra freed 16 servicemen in exchange for Takfiri prisoners last December. The soldiers had been kidnapped at the same time as the nine servicemen who are still being held by Daesh.

Kahwaji paid tribute to the families of "army martyrs who have sacrificed their lives to preserve the nation," pledging that the military will "remain a beacon of honor, sacrifice and loyalty."

"This year's Resistance and Liberation Day coincides with the two-year presidential vacuum and the absence of a president, who represents the country's unity," the army chief's statement said.

He addressed soldiers, saying they "proved during previous stages their competence in protecting the country and preserving its unity, security and stability despite the destructive wars surrounding it and the enormous domestic challenges."

"You have maintained the stability of [Lebanon's] southern border and the implementation of [United Nations Security Council] resolution 1701 in cooperation with the international peacekeeping force," Kahawji added, praising the soldiers' efforts to "combat terrorism locally and along the country's eastern border."

Lebanon's Resistance and Liberation Day commemorates the "Israeli" army's withdrawal from south Lebanon in May 2000 after 22 years of occupation.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team