Amid intensifying Israel’s ground offensive in Lebanon, IDF has apprehended Hezbollah navy commander, Imad Fadel Amhaz in a raid conducted in Batroun, northern Lebanon.
Reportedly, the operation took place late at night on Friday, with the cooperation of German naval forces under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Citing an Israeli official, Axios reporter Barak Ravid said, "Israeli Navy SEALs captured last night Imad Amhaz- a senior member of Hezbollah's naval force in an operation in Northern Lebanon. Amhaz was detained in order to interrogate him and learn more about Hezbollah's naval operations."
Imad Fadel Amhaz is a senior Hezbollah leader who also serves in the Lebanese Navy.
The Israeli troops entered a beachside cabin and apprehended Amhaz, who was alone at the time, said reports.
Amhaz’s arrest would be a setback for Hezbollah amid the ongoing attacks. Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei on Saturday warned Israel and the United States of ‘crushing response’ amid attacks on its allies.
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By capturing Amhaz, Israel hopes to learn Hezbollah's naval operations.
UNIFIL’s alleged role in the Israeli raid has raised several questions. However, UNIFIL denied any involvement in the alleged capture of a Hezbollah naval commander by Israeli troops.
"UNIFIL has no involvement in facilitating any kidnapping or any other violation of Lebanese sovereignty," a UN spokesperson was quoted by Saudi channel Asharq News.
The spokesperson also said, "The dissemination of misleading information and unfounded rumours is irresponsible and puts peacekeeping forces at risk."
Earlier it was reported that the navy commander was caught during an Israeli raid in northern Lebanon, which was carried out in coordination with the German Navy operating within the UNIFIL forces.
Meanwhile, sirens were sounded in northern Israel for over half an hour after a Hezbollah drone entered Israeli airspace from Lebanon. Sirens were sounded in regions including Nahariya and Haifa along the coast.