Gunmen release 3 Lebanese soldiers, agree to withdraw from Arsal

The Islamist militants fighting Lebanese army in the eastern city of Arsal have released three of the abducted soldiers and agreed on a complete withdrawal from the city.
In exchange, the gunmen will be allowed to withdraw safely and the Lebanese government and armed forces will guarantee the safety of Syrian refugees in the city which hosts thousands of them, said the Muslim scholars association which brokered the deal.
The association also confirmed that the government and army chief of staff has agreed on the deal.
The state news agency (NNA) reported that the agreement among Muslim Scholars, Arsal mayors and dignitaries, and militants has taken effect at Ismail mosque in Arsal on Wednesday.
The agreement put to an end to clashes that began in the area on the Syrian border on Saturday, and have killed at least 17 soldiers.