Israeli army abducts Lebanese maritime student
A Lebanese maritime student was abducted in Batroun, in the north of Lebanon, by Israeli commandos, authorities said on November 2nd according to the Arab News.
Axios news portal cited an Israel official who said that that “the abductee was taken to be questioned on Hezbollah’s naval activities.” Leaked information identified the abductee as Imad Amhaz, a student at the Maritime Sciences and Technology Institute in Batroun, who was arrested at his parents house.
READ: One dead, 15 wounded in Israeli strike on Beirut
Lebanon’s official National News Agency stated that an “unidentified military force carried out a sea landing on the shore of Batroun, went with all its weapons and equipment to a chalet near the beach, and kidnapped a Lebanese man.”
A Lebanese military source claimed the operation involved 20 to 25 commandos, a claim corroborated by CCTV footage suggest.
Ali Hamieh, Caretaker Minister of Public Works and Transportation. said that “the sea is under supervision, and we are waiting for the outcome of the investigations.” He added that Lebanon’s government will contact the UN agency UNIFIL to find out whether the operation was carried out with their co-operation.
READ: Israel budget: Cabinet set to approve wartime austerity budget
A spokesperson for UNIFIL said the force “has not been involved in facilitating any kidnapping or other violation of Lebanese sovereignty. Disinformation and false rumours are irresponsible and put peacekeepers at risk.”
Lebanon accused Israel of violating Lebanese territorial waters, despite the presence of an UNIFIL maritime task force.
In the last few days Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has had to deny that the US asked Lebanon to accept a unilateral ceasefire with Israel, according to The Guardian, in a war that has killed over 2,700 people.
Arab News, The Guardian
