Israeli naval forces have reportedly landed in the coastal city of Batroun in northern Lebanon and captured a Hezbollah operative overnight between Friday and Saturday, according to Arab media.
Axios reporter Barak Ravid later reported on X/Twitter that an Israeli official confirmed the operation.
The terrorist captured is named Emad Fadel Amhaz, a senior member of Hezbollah, according to Al-Hadath. Reports also state that he is part of the Lebanese Navy.
Amhaz was arrested in order to be questioned about Hezbollah’s naval operations, the official told Ravid.
The operation was reportedly carried out in certain coordination with German naval forces operating as part of UNIFIL, Israeli media reported, citing claims by Lebanese officials.
דיווח: הבכיר בחיזבאללה שנלקח בשבי – קצין בחיל הים הלבנוני | כל הפרטים >>> https://t.co/LXU6NQk3Fd@OmerShahar123 @kaisos1987 צילום: שימוש לפי סעיף 27 א’ pic.twitter.com/EEqW4zuRw1
— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) November 2, 2024
More than two dozen in the operation
More than 25 people were involved in the operation, with a report by KAN saying that these IDF soldiers entered a cabin near the beach and kidnapped Amhaz, who was staying there alone.
Lebanese media reported that Lebanon’s security forces are investigating the incident, N12 reported.
Pro-Hezbollah journalist Hassan Illaik said in a post on X that a large group of Israeli troops made a landing in the resort town and captured the man before departing on speed boats.
He shared CCTV footage appearing to show soldiers walking in the street, two of them holding a person.
Lebanese transport minister Ali Hamiye, who represents Hezbollah in Lebanon’s government, said the video was accurate but did not provide further details.
The Lebanese city is about 140 kilometers from the Israeli coast and 55 kilometers north of Beirut.
This is a developing story.
