Businessman kidnapped for ransom in Tyre

Unknown gunmen have kidnapped Lebanese businessman Najib Youssef in Tyre. The 66-year old was abducted around 1500 hrs on Tuesday as he was driving in his Cadillac from al-Burj al-Shamali to his ranch in Mahallet Abu Aswad. Gunmen in a car blocked his way and took him to an unknown location, leaving his vehicle behind. The kidnappers telephoned his son at 2200 hrs, saying they want a ransom and will call again to reveal the figure on Wednesday afternoon. Youssef's car was discovered at midnight under Abu Aswad bridge. Security forces inspected the abandoned vehicle, collected evidence, lifted fingerprints and moved the car. Police are have also questioned the last person who saw him in the hours before his kidnap. They feel that Youssef may know the perpetrators.