Ransom!

This is coolbert:

More from the latest edition of the DEBKAfile news letter:

"Qatar pays $25 million to Nusra Front for release of Lebanese soldiers"

2 December.

The Al Qaeda’s Syrian Nusra Front handed over 16 captive Lebanese soldiers to the Red Cross on Tuesday in exchange for 13 members of the organization in Lebanese jails after a $25 million payout from Qatar. Among the released al Qaeda terrorists was Saja al-Dulaimi, ex-wife of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who has since become head of ISIS.

The taking of hostages, kidnapping and the demand for ransom one method by which the various terrorist groups finance themselves. Exchange of captives with terms and payment historically a common practice in the Middle East.

coolbert.