Dozens killed as Israeli special forces raid Lebanese village in search of 40-year-old remains
Dozens killed as Israeli special forces raid Lebanese village in search of 40-year-old remains
Israeli military forces launched a significant operation in a village within the eastern Bekaa Valley, leading to the deaths of at least 41 individuals and injuries to 40 others, according to the Lebanese health ministry. The attack occurred overnight, with the primary goal of recovering the remains of an Israeli airman who disappeared in the region four decades ago. The village of Nabi Chit became a focal point of the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, as tensions continue to rise.
Operation details and civilian casualties
Residents reported that the operation targeted a specific area in the village cemetery, where a grave had been uncovered. “They thought he was there but there was nothing,” said a local man, pointing to the empty hole. Nearby, remnants of a car showed signs of destruction, with bullet holes and bloodstains marking the scene. The area around the village was left in ruins, including collapsed buildings and a massive crater that damaged nearby structures. Items like a children’s coloring book, paintings, and cooking utensils were found among the debris.
“They bombed everything. This is crazy,” said Ali Shakur. “I think they were surprised by who was here because when they bombed they thought that everyone had evacuated.”
Hezbollah, the dominant force in the region, permitted journalists to document the extent of the damage. The group is designated as a terrorist organization by the UK, US, and other nations. The Lebanese military stated it had observed four Israeli aircraft approaching the border with Syria late Friday night, with two landing to deploy special forces. A “large-scale aerial bombardment” followed, as the army took defensive measures, using flare bombs to locate the landing zone.
Clashes and evacuation orders
After the Israeli forces entered the village, street battles erupted between them and Hezbollah fighters, along with civilians protecting their homes. “At midnight, we felt a strange movement on one side of the village. It turned out to be an Israeli commando unit deployed for some mission,” explained a local official at the site of a major explosion. The resistance encircled the unit, prompting intense clashes. Air strikes intensified, enabling the extraction of Israeli troops and causing widespread destruction.
Residents noted that Israel had conducted around 40 airstrikes to support the ground operation and facilitate the withdrawal of soldiers. Witnesses claimed the Israeli troops arrived disguised in Lebanese military uniforms, using ambulances bearing Hezbollah’s Islamic Health Organization insignia. The Lebanese army chief later confirmed this to local media, though the Israel Defense Forces did not respond to BBC inquiries.
Impact on civilians
Comprehensive Israeli evacuation directives had already been issued for the village, with another call for civilians to leave their homes made shortly before the attack. Mohamed Chokr, whose uncle and other relatives were among the casualties, described the tragedy. “My uncle is a retired soldier, his son is also a retired soldier and his other son is a school teacher. We are not affiliated with any political party. We are Shia – we like Hezbollah, but we are not members of Hezbollah. We are all in the Lebanese army,” he said. “How should I feel today? This is my uncle and his kids and their kids.”
Chokr added that a relative attempting to rescue his family from rubble was also killed in the crossfire. Another villager shared the names of those who perished, including his uncle and others. The Israeli military has yet to comment on the BBC’s request for information about the incident. Locals and those who had evacuated gathered around the crater on Saturday to evaluate the damage and reflect on the events.