Israeli Forces Eliminate Hezbollah Operative Linked to Arms Trafficking
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Synopsis
On February 28, the IDF reported the killing of Hezbollah operative Mohammed Mahdi Ali Shaheen in an airstrike in northeastern Lebanon. Shaheen was involved in arms trafficking operations along the Syria-Lebanon border, posing a threat to Israel. The incident occurred amidst ongoing tensions despite a ceasefire agreement.
Key Takeaways
- IDF confirmed the elimination of Hezbollah operative Mohammed Mahdi Ali Shaheen.
- Airstrike conducted in Hermel, resulting in one death and one injury.
- Shaheen was linked to arms trafficking between Syria and Lebanon.
- Israeli military presence remains at key border points despite ceasefire.
- Ceasefire agreement mediated by the US and France is in place.
Jerusalem, Feb 28 (NationPress) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Friday that they eliminated Hezbollah operative Mohammed Mahdi Ali Shaheen in an airstrike in northeastern Lebanon on Thursday evening.
The IDF's statement noted that he was targeted in the Lebanese town of Hermel by the Israeli Air Force based on intelligence.
As reported by Lebanese health authorities, the strike, executed by two drones, hit a vehicle, resulting in one fatality and one injury.
The IDF claims that Shaheen had been orchestrating terrorist dealings for arms purchases along the Syria-Lebanon border since the ceasefire agreement was established between Lebanon and Israel.
"Shaheen was a crucial terrorist within Hezbollah's geographical unit, responsible for the Bekaa region, and had recently facilitated the transport of weapons from Syria to Lebanon," the statement indicated.
The IDF further asserted that he facilitated the arrival and distribution of these shipments to various Hezbollah factions to bolster their capabilities, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
"His activities represented a direct threat to Israel," the statement read.
On Thursday, reports indicated that one individual was killed and another injured due to Israeli airstrikes targeting a vehicle in the town of Hermel, according to health authorities.
The Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, associated with the Ministry of Public Health, reported that the two drone strikes conducted by Israel hit the vehicle, resulting in one fatality and one injury.
A third Israeli airstrike targeted the outskirts of the village of Ainata in southern Lebanon, based on information from a Lebanese security source who requested anonymity.
Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee mentioned that activities were observed at a Hezbollah reconnaissance site in Ainata earlier that day, which he described as a violation of the agreement between Israel and Lebanon. He added that Israeli Air Force aircraft targeted the site in retaliation.
Since November 27, a ceasefire agreement mediated by the US and France has been in effect between Israel and Lebanon, ending over a year of conflicts involving Hezbollah and Israel, which escalated due to the war in Gaza.
Despite the ceasefire requiring Israeli military withdrawal from Lebanese territory, Israel continues to maintain a military presence at five strategic border points beyond the February 18 deadline.
