A suspected Israeli naval force landed in the northern Lebanese coastal town of Batroun early on Friday and captured one person, a security source said, while another source confirmed the incident but did not say who was responsible.
Batroun, Lebanon © Mena Today
A suspected Israeli naval force landed in the northern Lebanese coastal town of Batroun early on Friday and captured one person, a security source said, while another source confirmed the incident but did not say who was responsible.
Lebanon's state-run National News Agency said security forces were investigating the incident.
There was no immediate comment from Israeli and Lebanese authorities.
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 a 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 abduction was claimed on Saturday night by the Israeli army, whose radio station indicated on the X network that "the 13th naval unit has detained a Hezbollah member near a knowledge center in the maritime field. We will capture key members everywhere, and we will succeed," the statement added.
Batroun has become a hub for Lebanon’s nightlife, especially during summer.
The city’s historic streets are filled with lively bars, cafes, and clubs, attracting visitors for the Batroun International Festival and other music and cultural events.
Reporting by Maya Gebeily and Timour Azhari
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