Syrian Producer Mohammad Qabnaze Freed After Four-Month Ordeal

Aymen Qabnaze, the son of famous Syrian producer Mohammad Qabnaze, announced the safe return of his father, who had been kidnapped about four months ago. The news of his father's return was met with widespread reaction on social media in Syria, as his father's fate had remained mysterious, causing anxiety in artistic and media circles. In a rapidly spreading audio message, Aymen expressed his great gratitude to the Syrian security forces and the Ministry of Interior for their efforts in bringing his father back to the capital, Damascus. He stated that a security official had contacted him to inform him that his father was on his way from Idlib before being safely secured at the Ministry of Interior. Aymen confirmed his profound relief after his father's recovery. The audio message was not without a light touch of humor, as Aymen reassured everyone about his father's health, jokingly adding that one of the benefits of kidnapping is 'getting rid of a belly,' referring to his father's weight loss during his captivity. Mohammad Qabnaze's kidnapping on September 17, 2025, had sparked widespread debate and mystery surrounding his fate. After his release, Qabnaze recounted the details of his kidnapping, saying he was taken from his office under the pretext of being invited to visit a security branch in the Maza area of Damascus, but the kidnizers were nothing more than a gang of thieves. He added with confidence: 'After this painful experience, I say to everyone—citizens and businessmen—do not be afraid, for we have a state.' He also marveled at the moment of his liberation, saying, 'What power the security forces possess! They broke the door and entered.'