Pharmacist Abducted in Zahle, Kidnappers Demand $500K Ransom

A pharmacist was kidnapped by unknown assailants in the eastern Zahle district on Sunday morning, drawing condemnation and calls for his release, the state-run National News Agency reported.

Wissam al-Khatib was abducted as he was opening his pharmacy that lies on the main road of the town of Karak, NNA said.

It quoted witnesses as saying that the assailants were riding a blue vehicle.

The agency did not provide further details except for saying that al-Khatib had previously escaped an attempt to abduct him.

The kidnapping later led to a protest by the town's residents, who blocked the main road with their cars to demand al-Khatib's release.

The Pharmacists' Syndicate also condemned the kidnapping and urged the abductors to release him.

It called on the armed forces to reveal his fate.

Media reports said last month that armed men in a four-wheeler blocked al-khatib's way as he was leaving his pharmacy but he drove at them and escaped his captors.

Later on Sunday, LBCI television said the kidnappers telephoned his family and demanded a $500,000 ransom.