UNFIL denies involvement in alleged capture of Hezbollah naval commander by Israeli commandos — Arab media

UNIFIL has denied involvement in the alleged capture of a Hezbollah naval commander by Israeli naval commandos in northern Lebanon yesterday, according to Arab media reports.

Saudi channel Asharq News quotes an unnamed deputy spokesperson from the UN peacekeeping force as saying, “UNIFIL has no involvement in facilitating any kidnapping or any other violation of Lebanese sovereignty.”

The UN spokesman also says the dissemination of “misleading information and unfounded rumors is irresponsible and puts peacekeeping forces at risk,” according to Asharq.

Lebanese journalist Hasan Illaik, who first reported the alleged Israeli raid, cited anonymous military officials as saying that the operation was carried out in coordination with the German Navy operating within the UNIFIL forces, to prevent the Lebanese Navy from interfering.