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

A significant number of civilians lost their lives in Lebanon following intense Israeli air and ground assaults, as the conflict with Hezbollah intensifies. Overnight, a critical operation in the eastern Bekaa Valley town of Nabi Chit resulted in at least 41 deaths and 40 injuries, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Among the casualties were three Lebanese soldiers, while locals provided names of civilians, including children, they claimed were killed.

Operation in Nabi Chit

The primary objective of the strike in Nabi Chit was to locate the remains of an Israeli military airman who vanished in Lebanon 40 years ago. A hole was dug in the village cemetery, but it yielded no results. “They believed he was buried there, but the grave held no remains,” remarked a local man, pointing to the empty site.

Elsewhere in the town, remnants of the attack included bullet-riddled vehicles and bloodstained seats. Nearby structures were reduced to rubble, with a massive crater disrupting surrounding homes. Civilian belongings such as a children’s coloring book, paintings, and kitchenware were found scattered among the wreckage.

Hezbollah’s Role and Claims

Hezbollah, the dominant force in the region, permitted journalists to witness the destruction. The group is designated as a terrorist organization by the UK, US, and other nations. The Lebanese military reported observing four Israeli aircraft near the Syrian border late Friday, with two landing and deploying special forces. Concurrently, a “large-scale aerial bombardment” commenced, prompting the army to initiate defensive actions using flare bombs to locate the Israeli units.

Clashes erupted on the streets as Israeli forces 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 conducting a mission,” said a local official at the scene of a major explosion. The resistance encircled them, leading to fierce fighting. Air strikes intensified, enabling the extraction of Israeli troops, which caused extensive damage.

Allegations of Disguise

Witnesses told the BBC that Israeli soldiers arrived disguised in Lebanese military uniforms and used ambulances bearing the insignia of Hezbollah’s Islamic Health Organization. The Lebanese army chief later confirmed these accounts to local media, though the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not respond to BBC inquiries.

Citizens in the village and those displaced gathered around the crater on Saturday to evaluate the destruction. “They bombed everything. This is crazy,” said Ali Shakur. “I think they were surprised by who was here because when they bombed, they assumed everyone had left.” Another villager noted that people had evacuated their children prior to the operation.

Local Perspectives

Mohamed Chokr, whose uncle and other family members were among the casualties, described a sense of security due to their neutrality. “My uncle was a retired soldier, his son also served, and his other son is a teacher. We are not affiliated with any political party,” he explained. “We are Shia—supportive of Hezbollah, but not members. We are all in the Lebanese army.” “How should I feel today? This is my uncle and his kids and their kids,” he added, reflecting on the tragedy.

Residents also shared that a relative, arriving in a bulldozer to rescue the family from debris, was fatally struck during the fighting. Another local confirmed the names of Mohamed’s uncle and other victims, highlighting the community’s loss.

The Israeli military has not yet provided comments on the BBC’s inquiries about the incident.