A Lebanese Shiite pilgrim kidnapped in Syria in May was set free on Tuesday, bringing the number of Lebanese hostages in the strife-torn country down to nine, state media said. "Awad Ibrahim was set free," Lebanon's official news agency NNA reported.
"The freed hostage has arrived in Turkish territory," it said, adding he was received by the Turkish authorities.
President Michel Sleiman congratulated Ibrahim, according to a statement. Sleiman also expressed "hope his fellow hostages will be set free soon, and that (the kidnappings) will stop."
Ibrahim was set free a month after another Lebanese hostage, Hussein Ali Omar, arrived in Turkey.
A group of 11 Lebanese Shiite pilgrims were kidnapped in May 22 in the northern province of Aleppo, while on their way from Iran. The kidnappings were claimed by a group whose leader identified himself as Abu Ibrahim. The group claims affiliation with the rebel Free Syrian Army, but the FSA denies any link.
Activists say the climate of chaos that has gripped Syria for the past 18 months has enabled all sides of the conflict to profit from the situation, whether their goals are political or merely financial.
"Abu Ibrahim is not a fighter, he is a criminal using the revolt to make money," an Aleppo province resident who identified himself as Abu Mohammed told AFP via Skype.
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