Itani Arrives in Beirut after Syria Kidnap Ordeal

Television journalist Fidaa Itani arrived in Beirut on Thursday night after he was set free by his abductors in Syria, his employer LBCI television reported.

Information Minister Walid al-Daouq and Information Ministry Director General Hassan Falha received Itani at the Rafik Hariri International Airport.

LBCI said Itani stayed at the Lebanese embassy in Ankara ahead of his travel to Beirut.

Itani's brother told Radio Voice of Lebanon (93.3) that the journalist was scheduled to return to Lebanon aboard a commercial flight, noting that the family had paid for his ticket.

LBCI said Itani crossed the Syrian border on Wednesday night and made his way towards the Turkish side.

“I thank all friends for their messages of support. I am free again although I never felt that I was a prisoner or a detainee,” the journalist tweeted.

His abduction was claimed by the Northern Storm Brigade rebel group on Saturday.

Abu Ibrahim, who is linked to the Northern Storm Brigade, was quoted at the time by LBCI as saying Itani was taken to the northern rebel-held town of Aazaz from the embattled city of Aleppo because he was taking too many photographs, raising suspicions.

Abu Ibrahim shot to notoriety in mid-summer when his group claimed responsibility for kidnapping a group of Lebanese Shiite pilgrims.

Itani was one of the first Lebanese journalists who had managed to interview the abducted Lebanese pilgrims in Aazaz in Aleppo's countryside.