In the early hours of the morning, the Lebanese army successfully freed the kidnapped Saudi citizen Mishari Al-Mutairi. Saudi authorities directed the immediate return of the freed citizen and his family to Riyadh. Despite ongoing raids that began the previous evening in the Shaarouna neighborhood to find suspects in the case, the army continues to track down those involved after the abduction was resolved, leading to further operations in the Choueifat area.
Army Commander General Joseph Aoun confirmed that the intelligence directorate within the Lebanese army managed to rescue the Saudi citizen and apprehend his kidnappers. This statement was made during a joint international conference organized by the Lebanese Army Research and Strategic Studies Center and Sigma Company titled "Border and Vital Installations Security," attended by political, security, diplomatic, and academic figures at the Metropolitan Hotel in Sin El Fil.
The Lebanese army highlighted on its Twitter that a patrol from the intelligence directorate freed Mishari Al-Mutairi near the Lebanese-Syrian border and arrested several individuals involved in the abduction. Operations targeting houses of suspects linked to the kidnapping, as well as a Captagon factory belonging to the suspects, were carried out in the Shaarouna area. Some suspects had previously opened fire toward a military center and the home of a military personnel, resulting in a clash with the army without casualties.
Lebanon's Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri praised the efforts of the Lebanese army and all Lebanese security forces to free the Saudi citizen, urging security authorities to continue their pursuit of all those involved. Prime Minister Najib Mikati also reaffirmed the commitment to maintaining security and preventing any threats to the safety of Lebanese citizens and foreigners in Lebanon, stating that the kidnapping of a Saudi citizen condemns all standards and congratulating the army for its significant efforts.
Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Walid Al-Bukhari confirmed after meeting with Minister of Interior in the caretaker government Bassam Mawlawi that the rescued Saudi citizen is in good health, expressing gratitude to the army and internal security forces. He stated that the security efforts highlight Lebanon's commitment to securing tourism safety, mentioning the intense 48 hours leading up to the rescue, with continuous communication with all security agencies, and stressing that Saudi authorities pay great attention to every Saudi citizen within and outside the Kingdom.
Interior Minister Mawlawi announced the arrest of nine individuals in connection with the kidnapping of the Saudi citizen, emphasizing that the incident did not impact relations between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. He assured that Lebanese security and military forces are cohesive and coordinating effectively, and that the independent Lebanese judiciary will address the seriousness of the kidnapping crime.
In a visit to the army commander, Minister Mawlawi congratulated him on the rescue, appreciating the military institution's efforts to maintain Lebanon’s security and public order and praising the good coordination between security agencies.
Al-Bukhari emphasized the overwhelming efforts of the army that led to the rescue in under 48 hours, extending thanks to Minister Mawlawi and General Aoun for their persistent follow-up.
The abduction occurred after midnight Saturday in Beirut, where the Saudi citizen was taken by unknown assailants demanding a $400,000 ransom. The Saudi embassy in Beirut received reports from the citizen's family about his unavailability since early Sunday and reported continuous engagement with Lebanese authorities to uncover the circumstances of his disappearance. There were conflicting reports regarding the location of the incident, with some sources indicating it happened on the airport road, while others claimed it took place in the city center.
Following the incident, Mawlawi noted that the kidnapped Saudi’s phone had been detected in various locations throughout Beirut, and the motive behind the abduction remained unclear but assured that necessary actions and accountability would follow. He emphasized the seriousness of the matter and the intent to safeguard Saudi and Arab citizens in Lebanon.
Condemnations of the kidnapping came from various political, social, and religious leaders in Lebanon, calling for swift investigations to ensure justice and security within the country.
