A Syrian official said that his country is unenthusiastic to meet the demands put forth by the Islamic State and al-Nusra Front groups in exchange for the release of Lebanese servicemen.  

“We find it unjustified to repeat the Aazaz pilgrims experience after Lebanon failed to thank Syria on its efforts to secure their release,” a Syrian minister, whose identity remained under wraps, told Annahar newspaper.

The official noted that his country has yet to receive any official request by the Lebanese government over the captives' case, adding that Damascus will be mulling its stance once it receives the list of prisoners who the two jihadist groups want them released.