The convoy of 16 Lebanese servicemen freed by Al Nusra Front arrived at the headquarters of Brigade 8 of the Lebanese army in Arsal town on Tuesday.

The servicemen were warmly welcomed by their families and Lebanese citizens.

Al Nusra Front freed the Lebanese soldiers and police it had held for more than a year in exchange for the release of prisoners and delivery of aid.

The exchange brought a partial end to a hostage crisis that has haunted Lebanon since jihadist groups overran the eastern town of Arsal on the Syrian border in August 2014.

Sources: MENA