Official statements from Hezbollah, Israeli Defense Forces, or credible international news agencies

IDF's Shayetet 13 Captures Senior Hezbollah Commander in Batroun Operation

Nov 2, 2024, 02:01 PM

Israeli naval commandos from the elite Shayetet 13 unit conducted a covert operation in the northern Lebanese coastal city of Batroun, approximately 140 kilometers north of Israel's border, capturing senior Hezbollah operative Imad Amhaz. The raid, involving over 25 soldiers and members of Unit 504, took place on Friday night and included a beach landing and the abduction of Amhaz from a chalet near the shore. Israeli military officials confirmed the operation, stating that Amhaz is a 'significant source of knowledge' within Hezbollah's naval forces and is currently being interrogated to gain intelligence on the group's maritime operations. Lebanese authorities acknowledged the incident, with the Lebanese Minister of Transport, Ali Hamia—associated with Hezbollah—claiming that the abducted individual is a civilian sea captain studying at a maritime institute. The operation, considered an embarrassment for Hezbollah, was reportedly coordinated with the German navy, part of the UNIFIL mission.