Beirut: The UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has denied any involvement in the alleged kidnapping of a Lebanese sea captain in a suspected Israeli operation north of Beirut. This statement was issued amidst growing tensions and speculations regarding the incident, which occurred in Batroun, approximately 30 kilometers from the Lebanese capital.
According to Anadolu Agency, UNIFIL’s deputy spokesperson, Kandice Ardiel, emphasized that the peacekeeping mission has not participated in or facilitated any act of kidnapping or other breaches of Lebanese sovereignty. Ardiel also highlighted concerns over the spread of false information, warning that such disinformation not only misleads the public but also endangers the safety of peacekeepers operating in the region.
The Lebanese security forces have commenced an investigation to determine whether Israel was involved in the naval operation that led to the kidnapping. The Lebanese Minister of Public Works and Transport, Ali Hamie, clarified that the abdu
cted individual is a Lebanese sea captain and not a Hezbollah commander, as some rumors suggested. The minister further disclosed that the kidnapping occurred merely 100 meters from his residence.
Minister Hamie questioned the effectiveness of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 if the kidnapping was indeed the result of a naval infiltration. He pointed out that under this resolution, UNIFIL is tasked with the regular monitoring of the Lebanese coast, spanning from Naqoura to Aarida. Resolution 1701, adopted on August 11, 2006, mandates a halt to hostilities between Lebanon and Israel and establishes a demilitarized zone between the Blue Line and the Litani River. Only the Lebanese army and UNIFIL are allowed to possess weapons and military equipment in this area.
The incident unfolds against a backdrop of escalating tensions, with Israel intensifying its air campaign in Lebanon since late September, targeting what it claims are Hezbollah positions. This escalation is part of a broader, year-long cross-bord
er conflict following Israel’s offensive on the Gaza Strip. The Lebanese health authorities report that nearly 2,900 individuals have died, and over 13,000 have been injured in Israeli attacks since last October. Furthermore, Israel expanded the conflict by initiating an incursion into southern Lebanon on October 1.