Lebanon: Saudi citizen kidnapped in Mount Lebanon on November 9

Event

A Saudi citizen was abducted by unknown kidnappers from his home in Keserwan district, Mount Lebanon province, on Thursday, November 9. Reports say the kidnappers have demanded a USD 1 million ransom for his release. Officials say the Saudi Embassy in Beirut has been in close contact with security services as the investigation progresses.

Context

Tensions are running high between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. While on a visit to Saudi Arabia on November 4, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri unexpectedly announced his resignation; Hariri has not returned to Lebanon since his announcement. The circumstances surrounding the resignation are unclear, however conflicting reports say the move was due to Saudi pressure and alleged assassination plots. In addition, Saudi Arabia threatened to consider Lebanon a hostile state for as long as Iran-linked militia Hezbollah remains in power.

Advice

Individuals in the region are advised to monitor the situation and contact their respective diplomatic missions for further information regarding security and travel to and from Lebanon.