Dozens killed as Israeli special forces raid Lebanese village in search of 40-year-old remains

Israeli Raid in Lebanese Village Claims Dozens of Lives Amid Escalating Conflict

Israeli forces carried out a significant operation in the eastern Bekaa Valley, targeting the village of Nabi Chit. The attack, which occurred overnight, resulted in at least 41 fatalities and 40 injuries, as reported by the Lebanese health ministry. Among the casualties were three military personnel and civilians, including children, according to local accounts. The mission’s primary objective was to locate the remains of an Israeli airman who vanished in Lebanon four decades ago.

The village’s cemetery bore the brunt of the assault, with a grave excavated in the early hours. “They believed he was buried there but found nothing,” said a local man, pointing to the empty pit. Across the area, remnants of destruction were evident—bullet holes marred a vehicle, and bloodstains lingered on its seats. Buildings lay in ruins, while a massive crater disrupted nearby structures. Artifacts of daily life, such as a children’s coloring book and cooking utensils, were scattered among the wreckage.

Hezbollah’s Role and Military Response

Hezbollah, the dominant force in the region, permitted journalists to document the damage. The group is designated as a terrorist organisation by the UK, US, and other nations. The Lebanese military noted that four Israeli aircraft approached the border with Syria late Friday, with two landing to deploy special forces. Simultaneously, an aerial bombardment began, prompting the army to take defensive actions, including flare bombs to mark the landing site.

Clashes erupted on the village streets as Israeli troops engaged Hezbollah fighters and civilians protecting their homes. “At midnight, we sensed unusual activity near the village’s edge. It was an Israeli commando unit, likely on a mission,” recounted a local official at the scene of a major explosion. The resistance encircled the forces, leading to intense fighting. Air strikes intensified to extract the unit, leaving widespread devastation in its wake.

Evacuation Orders and Casualties

Residents claimed that an earlier evacuation notice had been issued, with another call for civilians to leave their homes shortly before the raid. Mohamed Chokr, whose uncle and relatives were among the victims, expressed shock. “We were safe because our homes held no Hezbollah ties. My uncle was a retired soldier, his son also served, and his other son was a teacher. We’re Shia, support Hezbollah, but not its members. We’re all in the Lebanese army,” he said.

“How should I feel today? This is my uncle and his kids and their kids.”

Chokr added that a relative arrived in a bulldozer to rescue his family from rubble but was fatally struck by crossfire. Another villager shared the names of those killed, including his uncle. The Israeli military has yet to comment on the allegations, which suggest troops disguised as Lebanese soldiers used ambulances bearing Hezbollah’s Islamic Health Organization insignia. The Lebanese army chief confirmed the soldiers’ presence to local media, though the IDF did not respond to BBC inquiries.

Survivors and displaced villagers gathered around the crater on Saturday to evaluate the damage. “They bombed everything. This is crazy,” said Ali Shakur. “I think they were surprised by who was still here because they assumed everyone had left.” A man in the village noted that people had evacuated their children before the operation began.