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
Intensive Israeli air strikes and ground incursions have led to the deaths of at least 41 individuals in Lebanon, marking a significant escalation in the conflict with Hezbollah. The attack targeted the village of Nabi Chit, situated in the eastern Bekaa Valley, a region central to recent hostilities. According to the Lebanese health ministry, the operation also left 40 others wounded, with three soldiers among the fatalities. Civilians, including children, were reported as victims by local residents.
The mission aimed to recover the remains of an Israeli military airman who disappeared in the area four decades ago. On Saturday, a grave was unearthed in the village cemetery, though it was empty. “They believed he was buried there, but nothing remained,” stated a local man, pointing to the disturbed soil. Scattered across the town were signs of the violence—bullet holes pierced a destroyed vehicle, and its seats were stained with blood. Nearby, buildings lay in ruins, and a massive crater had been created, damaging structures in its vicinity.
Hezbollah, the primary force in the region, permitted journalists to document the aftermath. The Shia militia, designated as a terrorist group by the UK, US, and other nations, described the operation as part of a broader conflict. The Lebanese military reported observing four Israeli aircraft near the border with Syria, with two landing to deploy special forces. “Large-scale aerial bombardment” began simultaneously, prompting the Lebanese units to initiate defensive actions using flare bombs to locate the Israeli troops.
Clashes erupted between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters, as well as civilians protecting their homes. A local official recounted, “At midnight, we noticed an unusual activity on one side of the village. It was an Israeli commando unit executing a mission.” The resistance encircled the unit, leading to fierce street battles. The air force intensified its strikes to facilitate the extraction of Israeli troops, resulting in extensive damage. Hezbollah and villagers claimed Israel launched around 40 airstrikes to support the operation and enable the special forces’ retreat.
Witnesses told the BBC that Israeli soldiers had arrived disguised in Lebanese military uniforms, using ambulances marked with Hezbollah’s Islamic Health Organization insignia. The Lebanese army chief later validated this account to local media, while the IDF declined to comment on the allegations. Evacuation orders had been issued for the village, and locals noted another call for civilians to leave before the operation commenced.
“My uncle is a retired soldier, his son also served, and his other son teaches. We are not linked to any political group. We support Hezbollah but are not members. How should I feel today? This is my uncle and his family,” said Mohamed Chokr, whose relatives were among the casualties. His uncle’s attempt to rescue his family with a bulldozer ended in tragedy when he was killed by crossfire.
Residents gathered around the crater on Saturday to evaluate the destruction. “They bombed everything. This is crazy,” remarked Ali Shakur. “I think they were surprised by who was still here because they assumed everyone had left.” Another villager added that children were evacuated prior to the attack, highlighting the confusion and chaos that followed.
