Pascale Sleiman, the Lebanese Forces Coordinator in the Jbeil region, was kidnapped around 5 pm near the village of Hakel within this region.
According to reports, four armed individuals forcefully took Sleiman after blocking the road while he was returning from a condolence visit. They were driving a white Subaru car at the Lahfad intersection leading to Mayfouk and Hakel road.
A WhatsApp voice note was shared by Pascale’s friend who was on the phone with him during the kidnapping. He recounts hearing Pascale begging for his life saying he has children, not to shoot him.
Security services initiated an investigation, under the direct supervision of caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, outgoing Interior Minister Bassam Al Mawalwi, and army Commander-in-Chief General Joseph Aoun.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated in Jbeil and surrounding areas following the abduction.
Lebanese Forces supporters blocked traffic on both lanes of the Jbeil highway in protest against Sleiman’s abduction. In addition, rallies took place in Jal el Dib and Sin el Fil.
In Mastita, many officials gathered at the LF office to closely monitor the investigation, with Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea joining them later in the night.
The Lebanese Forces party called upon commercial establishments, municipalities, and mayors of Jbeil to shut down all businesses in Jbeil and its coastal, central, and mountainous areas on Monday in solidarity with the kidnapped Pascal Sleiman.
Furthermore, the Lebanese Forces urged allied parties, personalities, and independent individuals to unite in condemning and opposing encroachment on public and private freedom in Lebanon.
