The family of kidnapped Syrian boy Fawwaz Al Qutayfan said it has raised the $200,000 needed for his ransom before the Wednesday deadline.
Fawwaz, 8, was last seen on November 2 on his way home from school when a gang on two motorcycles, three masked men and a woman, abducted him.
"We sold our jewellery and land to raise the amount," Mussab Al Qutayfan, the boy's uncle, told The National.
He said the family was working independently in communicating with the kidnappers.
"We are not working with anyone for the fear of endangering Fawwaz," he said. "We just want him to return home safely into our arms, and the arms of his country."
No arrangements have been made for the transfer of the money, Mr Al Qutayfan said.
The family was contacted via WhatsApp and then through the encrypted messaging service Telegram by the kidnappers, who asked for $200,000.
A video of the boy in his underwear, pleading with his abductors to stop beating him, was made public.
People on Twitter and other social media sites are using the hashtag #SaveFawazAlQatifan to urge authorities to find the boy.
Brig Gen Dirar Al Dandal, who heads the police force in Deraa, Syria, said several leads were being followed that would hopefully lead to "positive results".
A source close to the family said several people posing as good Samaritans had set up accounts in the family's name to swindle people out of funds purportedly raised for the ransom.
After the family told the kidnappers it had gathered most of the money, it was given until Wednesday to raise the full amount or they would "chop off" Fawwaz's fingers.
The phenomenon of kidnappings is not new to Deraa, the birthplace of the Syrian revolution and home to a fragmented security system split between armed militias, members of the opposition and forces loyal to the Assad regime.
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
Tank warfare
Lt Gen Erik Petersen, deputy chief of programs, US Army, has argued it took a “three decade holiday” on modernising tanks.
“There clearly remains a significant armoured heavy ground manoeuvre threat in this world and maintaining a world class armoured force is absolutely vital,” the general said in London last week.
“We are developing next generation capabilities to compete with and deter adversaries to prevent opportunism or miscalculation, and, if necessary, defeat any foe decisively.”
Sheer grandeur
The Owo building is 14 storeys high, seven of which are below ground, with the 30,000 square feet of amenities located subterranean, including a 16-seat private cinema, seven lounges, a gym, games room, treatment suites and bicycle storage.
A clear distinction between the residences and the Raffles hotel with the amenities operated separately.
Kanye%20West
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'Gold'
Director:Anthony Hayes
Stars:Zaf Efron, Anthony Hayes
Rating:3/5
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Fly Etihad or Emirates from the UAE to Moscow from 2,763 return per person return including taxes.
Where to stay
Trips on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian cost from US$16,995 (Dh62,414) per person, based on two sharing.
Married Malala
Malala Yousafzai is enjoying married life, her father said.
The 24-year-old married Pakistan cricket executive Asser Malik last year in a small ceremony in the UK.
Ziauddin Yousafzai told The National his daughter was ‘very happy’ with her husband.
Match info
Bournemouth 0
Liverpool 4 (Salah 25', 48', 76', Cook 68' OG)
Man of the match: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Qosty Byogaani
Starring: Hani Razmzi, Maya Nasir and Hassan Hosny
Four stars
25-MAN SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi
Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina, Abdullahi Shehu, Chidozie Awaziem, William Ekong, Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo, Jamilu Collins, Semi Ajayi
Midfielders: John Obi Mikel, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, John Ogu
Forwards: Ahmed Musa, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Henry Onyekuru, Odion Ighalo, Alexander Iwobi, Samuel Kalu, Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze
On Standby: Theophilus Afelokhai, Bryan Idowu, Ikouwem Utin, Mikel Agu, Junior Ajayi, Valentine Ozornwafor
