Lebanese Shiite clan vows to abduct more Syrians

BEIRUT (AP) -- A spokesman for a powerful Shiite Muslim clan has vowed to abduct more Syrian nationals in retaliation for the seizure of a Lebanese Shiite man in Syria this week.

Tensions from the civil war in Syria have spilled over into Lebanon and armed members of the al-Mikdad clan on Wednesday abducted more than 20 nationals and a Turk.

Maher al-Mikdad told local media Thursday that more would be seized unless Syrian rebels release Hassane Salim al-Mikdad who was captured in Syria this week.

Rebels who kidnapped al-Mikdad claimed he was a member of Shiite militant group Hezbollah. Hezbollah and his family deny this.

The wave of hostage-taking in addition to road closures by angry Shiites has prompted Gulf countries to call on all their citizens in Lebanon to leave immediately.

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