Lebanese authorities demand UN response following “Israeli" violations in Batroun

In the early hours of Friday, an "Israeli" commando force reportedly conducted a clandestine landing operation on the shores of Batroun, a coastal city in northern Lebanon, resulting in the abduction of a Lebanese citizen.

The incident, viewed as a stark violation of Lebanese sovereignty, drew swift criticism and raised significant security concerns.

Lebanese security sources confirmed the operation to Roya, revealing that the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) entered a residential building and seized a Lebanese citizen, taking him to an undisclosed location.

The target, according to Lebanon’s Minister of Public Works and Transport Ali Hamiyeh, is a student enrolled at the Maritime Sciences and Technology Institute (MARSATI), an institution under the ministry’s oversight but privately managed.

The IOF allegedly conducted the abduction less than 50 meters from the shore, demonstrating a bold disregard for Lebanese territory.

Hamiyeh stated that the Lebanese Army launched an investigation into the incident and is in contact with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

UNIFIL responded to the reports by denying any involvement in facilitating the operation, calling accusations of its participation in a kidnapping “irresponsible” and “dangerous,” with the potential to place peacekeepers at risk.

Eyewitnesses described the "Israeli" unit as a heavily armed group, some in civilian attire and others masked, who ordered residents to remain in their rooms.

Furthermore, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati instructed Foreign Affairs Minister Abdallah Bou Habib to file a formal complaint with the UN Security Council over what he described as a clear violation of Lebanese sovereignty.

“The operation occurred well outside of any military zones and is not within an active conflict area,” officials emphasized.

"Israeli" media, including the Hebrew-language Maariv, reported that the operation targeted a Hezbollah naval official, implying an intelligence-focused objective.

Later, Axios cited an "Israeli" official who described the operation as an effort to interrogate the abducted individual to gain insights into Hezbollah’s naval operations.