Families Press Lebanon's Government to Secure Release of Hostages

Layali Ahmad Dirany’s brother Suleiman Dirany is among 25 servicemen currently being held hostage by Jihadists. (John Owens/VOA)

Hussein Youssef with his grandson. The boy’s father, Mohammad Youssef, is among those taken captive by the Islamic State militants and the al-Nusra Front. (John Owens/VOA)

13 families have lived in the camp for six months, leaving only once for a short time when their tents were destroyed by a storm. (John Owens/VOA)

Images of the servicemen being held captive are spread throughout the encampment. (John Owens/VOA)

Reports of the latest developments regarding the captive servicemen vary and sometimes contradict one another. (John Owens/VOA)

The camp is set up in the heart of Beirut among some of the most powerful institutions. (John Owens/VOA)

The camp is positioned in Riad Al Solh Square under a statue of Riad Al Solh, the country’s first prime minister. (John Owens/VOA)