Foreign-backed militants operating in Syria (file photo)[/caption]Kidnapping for ransom has become common among the militant groups in Syria, a report says.
According to a report by the Christian Science Monitor, as supplies for the foreign-backed opposition in Syria are decreasing, the Takfiri militants are resorting to kidnappings for ransom to bring in cash, a major essentiality.
The report also said that a number of militants have been killed by members of the so-called Free Syrian Army in the race for dwindling supplies of money and weapons.
The report pointed to a militant leader, Riad al-Ahmed, who was one of those kidnapped for ransom in January.
It said that shortly after Ahmad was abducted, his captors released a video showing his eye being pulled out and demanding a ransom of USD 400,000 for his release. Three months later, his ransom was not paid and Ahmed was killed.
The report comes as the Syrian army has recently been engaged in operations to cut off militant supply lines in north of the capital Damascus, near the border with Lebanon.
The Syrian army has made major advances in its fight against the foreign-backed militants.
On November 16, the army kept up its operations against militant positions in Harasta, the northeastern suburb of Damascus. The Syrian troops also recaptured positions in the town of Tel Hasel on the outskirts of the city of Aleppo.
Nearly three years of crisis in Syria has claimed the lives of more than 100,000 people, according to statistics compiled by the United Nations. Millions of people have also been displaced due to the turmoil.
By Press TV
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