Lebanese Navy Captain Abducted in Cross-Border Raid

A Lebanese ship captain, identified as Imad Amhaz, was abducted by a group of armed men in Batroun, northern Lebanon, prompting investigations into possible Israeli involvement. The operation, characterized as unprecedented by local journalists, involved around 25 armed men who reportedly conducted a sea landing to seize Amhaz, who was allegedly linked to Hezbollah's naval operations. Lebanese officials, including Transport Minister Ali Hamieh, confirmed the incident, stating that Amhaz was a civilian captain studying at a local maritime institute. While Israeli sources have suggested that the abduction was aimed at gathering intelligence on Hezbollah, Israeli authorities have not officially commented on the incident. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has denied any involvement in the operation. This incident occurs amid escalating tensions and hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023.