"After being notified of the disappearance of three Iraqis (on the border) on May 20, the Lebanese army launched an investigation, " added the statement.
The Lebanese army raid, which resulted in a shootout with the captors, took place Sunday afternoon, after intelligence personnel of the Lebanese military reported a suspicious residence in the area.
According to the army statement, one kidnapper was injured in the shootout inside the house and all nine kidnappers were taken into custody.
While judicial authorities have opened an investigation into the case of the Iraqis, the search is ongoing for seven Estonians cyclists who were kidnapped shortly after entering Lebanese territories in March.
The border area of Wadi Khaled has witnessed an influx of refugees from Syria. (H-AK)
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Editor: Ella Syafputri
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
