BREAKING NEWS

Hostage release deal between Nusra front, Lebanese government within reach says mediator

An initial agreement has been reached between the Lebanese government and Jabhat al-Nusra, al-Qaida' Syrian branch, that would lead to the release of 25 captured Lebanese soldiers.
The Lebanese Daily Star reported on Sunday that Sheik Mustafa Hujeiri, a Lebanese figure who holds close ties to Jabhat al-Nusra and who is serving as an informal mediator between the group and Beirut, relayed the progress in the negotiations.
“The agreement has been reached. There is one small complication left but when that is resolved the next step would be the implementation of the deal."
Hujeiri did not delve into the minutia of the deal but warned against costly trepidation on the part of the Lebanese government.
Jabhat al-Nusra has voiced demands that call for the release of Islamist prisoners held by the Lebanese state.
More than 30 Lebanese soldiers and members of law enforcement were captured jihadists during an August operation against the latter in the embattled Lebanese border town of Arsal.