Abu Ibrahim Reportedly Held amid Positive Signs in Case of Pilgrims Kidnapped in Syria

Bassam al-Dada, an adviser to the commander of the rebel Free Syrian Army, has denied reports that the kidnapper of Lebanese pilgrims in Syria was killed.

Al-Liwaa daily on Monday quoted al-Dada as saying that Amar al-Dadikhi of the rebel North Storm brigade, also known as Abu Ibrahim, who last May kidnapped 11 Lebanese pilgrims on their way home from Iran, was being held in Turkey.

Syrian opposition member Louay al-Meqdad also told Future television over the weekend that Abu Ibahim was not dead. But he stressed that he was wounded in a clash between his kidnapping gang and the FSA in an operation aimed at setting the hostages free.

He explained that the FSA “was fed up" with Abu Ibrahim's policy of kidnapping, which prompted it to attack his brigade.

“His wound is not fatal. This matter does not concern me as the pilgrims' safety is the most important issue,” stressed al-Meqdad.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Abbas Zoghaib, who has been tasked by the Higher Islamic Shiite Council with following up the case of the pilgrims, told Voice of Lebanon radio (93.3) on Monday that there were positive developments, hinting that the nine men could be set free soon.

Nine pilgrims remain held in the Aleppo town of Aazaz after two of the 11 were released last August and September.

Ali Omar, the son of one of the released men, told al-Jadeed TV on Sunday night that the pilgrims are still in the custody of Abu Ibrahim's kidnapping gang after its leadership was transferred to a man identified as Samir al-Amouri.

The reports about Abu Ibrahim's death emerged after Interior Minister Marwan Charbel said Turkish authorities had received such a tip.