Relatives of the Lebanese pilgrims who were abducted last May by Syria armed groups in Aleppo picketed the Qatari embassy I Beirut on Thursday.

Relatives of the Lebanese pilgrims who were abducted last May by Syria armed groups in Aleppo picketed the Qatari embassy I Beirut on Thursday.

The families demanded that the Gulf state, known for its role in supporting Syria militants, help in releasing the abductees.

According to Agence France Presse, a group of 50 relatives gathered near the embassy.
"The offices of the Qatari embassy in Beirut are now closed," read a poster held up by a protester.

In a phone call with AFP, Mona Termos, whose husband Ali Termos in among those being held hostage, said: “We are blocking the entrance to the Qatari embassy because we have asked for their assistance many times to ensure those kidnapped in Syria are freed. They have ignored us systematically.”

"Qatar is a main backer of the Free Syrian Army," she added.

The abductions of 11 Lebanese pilgrims were claimed by Abu Ibrahim, a strongman in Aazaz territory in northern Syria that is said to have links with to the so-called FSA.

Two of the Lebanese pilgrims have been set free so far, but nine remain in captivity.