20 Syrians reported captured in Lebanon

PanARMENIAN.Net - Family members of a Lebanese man held by Syrian rebels say they have captured more than 20 Syrians and will hold them until their relative is freed, AP reported.

The Lebanese prisoner Hassane Salim al-Mikdad appeared in a video released by rebels saying he is a member of Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite militant group allied with Iran and Syria. He said he was sent to Syria to fight with regime forces.

Hezbollah denied al-Mikdad is a member and the family says he has been living in Syria for more than a year.

Abu Ali al-Mikdad, a relative, told reporters in Beirut Wednesday, August 15 that they have abducted "more than 20 Syrians" including a senior member of the Free Syrian Army rebel group.

The latest development shows that Syria's violence could easily spillover to Lebanon, where there are deep divisions between supporters and opponents of Assad's regime.