Official statements from UNIFIL or associated member countries

Israeli Shayetet 13 Commandos Reportedly Capture Hezbollah's Imad Amhaz in Batroun Raid

Nov 2, 2024, 05:26 PM

Israeli naval commandos conducted a covert operation in northern Lebanon overnight, reportedly capturing a senior Hezbollah operative named Imad Amhaz. The operation took place in the coastal city of Batroun, approximately 140 kilometers north of the Israeli border. According to reports, a team of over 25 Israeli special forces, including marines and divers from the Shayetet 13 unit, landed on the Batroun coast via speedboats. There are claims that the sea landing was coordinated with the German navy, part of the UNIFIL mission, and involved special agents from Unit 504, with some commandos allegedly wearing Lebanese security uniforms. The commandos raided a chalet near the beach and apprehended Amhaz, who is considered by Israel to be a significant figure in Hezbollah's naval forces. The Israeli military confirmed the operation, stating that Amhaz is a valuable source of information regarding Hezbollah's naval activities and is currently under interrogation by military intelligence. Lebanese authorities, including Minister of Transport Ali Hamia, acknowledged the incident but asserted that the abducted individual is a civilian sea captain studying at a maritime institute. The operation marks a rare deep incursion by Israeli forces into Lebanese territory amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.