Media reports are rife with speculation of the imminent release of Lebanese Service men, held hostage by ISIS and Al Nusra since August 2014.
The various reports, some suggesting a release of all hostages, others suggesting only the 16 servicemen held by AL Nusra will be released, led to General Security chief Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim issuing a statement to NBN television that "things have not reached the final phase in the case of the captive servicemen”.
Ibrahim went on to urge an end to media speculation, asking that the media take its information from official sources only.
Terrorist groups holding the hostages are demanding an exchange of prisoners, including some notorious individuals charged with terror offences, as well as woman affiliated with the groups.
Four hostages have been executed since they were taken in August 2014, with kidnappers threatening to execute more unless their demands were met.
Family members holding a continuous sit-in in Riad Al Solh square have told the media that they were optimistic of an end to the crisis, suggesting that they had received positive news, whilst advising that they would only believe information they received from General security Chief Ibrahim.