Baalbek operation completed successfully
IDF commando units return safely to Israel after nightly raid in Lebanese territory. Several Hizbullah gunmen, killed, at least three terrorists captured in operation. Lebanese officials say 10 civilians killed in IDF air strike
Roee Nahmias
Israeli commando units returned safely to Israel Wednesday morning, after a nightly raid on a Hizbullah stronghold in the town of Baalbek, located close to the Syrian border, and exchanges of fire with terrorists.
Lebanese officials reported that 10 civilians were killed during the action.
"The combatants hurt several terrorists and captured others," the IDF Spokesperson Unit said in a statement. Security officials in Lebanon said that at least three Hizbullah gunmen were apprehended in the operation: Hussein Nasrallah, Hussein al-Bourji, and Ahmed al-Gutah. According to the sources, none of the three is a senior organization member.
Meanwhile, exchanges of fire are currently taking place between IDF forces and Hizbullah gunmen in the villages of al-Habib and Aita al-Shaab in southern Lebanon, in the same area where two soldiers and an officer were killed on Tuesday.
The operation, which was launched after midnight, was aimed – according to foreign sources – at kidnapping Sheikh Muhammad Yazbek, a member of Hizbullah's High Council and one of the group's top 12 senior members.
According to the report, IDF soldiers engaged in fierce battles with Hizbullah gunmen, as IAF helicopter provided troops with air cover.
Other sources in Lebanon reported that 10 Lebanese civilians – five of which were members of the same family – were killed in an IDF air strike in the course of the fighting.
The town of Baalbek is considered to be Hizbullah's "strategic home front," and is home to some of the group's leadership members. Hizbullah civil and military institutes are also located in the place.
According to reports, the operation kicked off with six air strikes carried out by the air force in the area, followed by IDF helicopters that landed troops in the western part of town. Simultaneously a Lebanese army post was attacked near the town of Shleife, west of Baalbek.
Efrat Weiss contributed to the report
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