(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Lebanon’s government is forming a crisis committee to handle the case of some two dozen members of the security forces held captive by Syrian militants amid escalating criticism over its response to the hostage affair.
Information Minister Ramzi Jreij said Thursday that Prime Minister Tammam Salam will head the committee, which will also include the defense, finance, interior, foreign and justice ministers.
Militants, including from the Islamic State extremist group, seized around 30 soldiers and policemen after overrunning a Lebanese border town in early August.
Some have since been released. Human Rights Watch says an estimated 14 policemen and 12 soldiers are still being held.
Relatives of the missing have rallied outside the government building in Beirut to demand action to secure the captives’ release.