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| The two men reportedly kidnapped. Photo: AFP |
Two pilots working for Turkish airlines have been abducted near Beirut's International Airport in Lebanon. The two men were taken from a bus which was carrying several other air-crew members and passengers between a hotel and the airport terminal. A group called Zuwwar al-Imam Rida has said it seized the two men, saying they would be freed in exchange for nine Lebanese hostags in Syria. Turkish media has named the kidnapped men as pilot Murat Akpinar and his co-pilot Murat Agca. The Turkish Foreign ministry issued a statement on Friday urging its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Lebanon, and it advised those already there to leave or to take measures to ensure their personal safety. Lebanese officials say the kidnapping happened at 03.00 local time, and at least four gunmen were reported to have been involved in the kidnapping. Speaking to Reuters news agency, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Levent Gumrukcu said that he had been in contact with the Lebanese authorities over the incident and said they were conducting a "very comprehensive investigation". There is now a heavy police presence near where the kidnapping took place, and sections of the road have been closed off.
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