BEIRUT, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Sigrid Kaag extended Wednesday her "deep condolences" to the families of Lebanese soldiers kidnapped and executed by the Islamic State (IS).
"The servicemen will always serve as a symbol of courage, commitment and dedication to their country," said Kaag in a statement by her media office.
She commended the Lebanese army and security forces in their "continued efforts to safeguard Lebanon's stability, security and territorial integrity, including from the threat of terror."
The soldiers were officially announced dead earlier Wednesday after the release of the DNA tests results. Their families were also informed.
The remains of the soldiers had been recovered last month after the army's successful military offensive dubbed the "Dawn of the Outskirts," which aimed to dislodge IS militants from the Lebanon's border area.
A national day of mourning and an official national farewell ceremony will be held Friday at the army headquarters in Yarze.
