BEIJING, Aug. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have urged citizens to leave Lebanon immediately and advised its people not to travel to the country.

The announcement comes after a mass kidnapping by Lebanese militants. More than 20 people have been taken prisoner by members of al-Meqdad clan, one of Lebanon’s most powerful Shi’ite families. The group says the abduction is in retaliation for the capture of one of their members by the Free n Army in Damascus.

The hostages are said to include a Turkish businessman, a Saudi and several Syrians.

(Source: CNTV.cn)