Lebanon: Failed kidnapping attempt in Bekaa Valley July 12

Event

Around 22:00 (local time) on Wednesday, July 12, a group of four armed men reportedly attempted to kidnap a young man traveling by car near Zahlé, in the Bekaa Valley. The man successfully evaded the assailants and reported the incident to security services. All four suspects escaped before they could be identified by police.

Context

Lebanon's security context is closely tied to the situation in neighboring Syria, notably due to the involvement of the Lebanon-based Shi'a group Hezbollah in the civil war. Terrorist attacks have occurred periodically in Lebanon in recent months, usually targeting security forces or isolated villages in the Bekaa Valley, such as Arsal, Ras Baalbek, and Qaa.

Advice

Individuals present in Lebanon are advised to remain vigilant, to vary daily routines, and to refrain from sharing personal information with unknown persons to limit the risk of being targeted by potential kidnappers. If attacked, remain calm, do not offer any resistance, and obey all demands issued by your assailant(s). Do everything in your power to keep the situation as calm as possible (accept offered food, engage in conversation initiated by your captors, avoid all political or potentially inflammatory topics, do not do anything that would spook your captors, etc.).