Beirut
🇱🇧 Hezbollah Apprehends Dutch Armed Group in Beirut Suburb Amid Rising Tensions
In a recent development, Hezbollah security forces in Lebanon detained six Dutch nationals in the southern suburbs of Beirut, as reported by Al-Akhbar on March 2. The individuals were apprehended while allegedly in possession of military-grade weapons, ammunition, and equipment.
According to sources, the Dutch government asserted that the detained individuals were part of a special group sent to evacuate Dutch nationals in the event of an escalation in hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. However, upon their entry into the southern suburb, contact was lost, and they were intercepted by Hezbollah security personnel.
The detainees were subsequently transferred to the Lebanese Intelligence Directorate for interrogation and were kept in custody until early Friday morning.
While the Dutch embassy purportedly intervened for their release, journalist Hasan Illaik of Lebanese news outlet Al-Mahatta raised questions about the embassy’s involvement. Illaik noted discrepancies in the detainees’ operation, including the absence of prior consultation with the embassy and the unconventional launch of the operation from Kaslik, a coastal town north of Beirut.
No official statements have been issued by either the Lebanese military or the Dutch government regarding the incident.
This apprehension comes amid heightened tensions and increased efforts by foreign intelligence agencies, notably from Israel, to gather information targeting Hezbollah operatives. Notably, recent months have seen Israel’s targeted airstrikes against prominent Hezbollah figures, further escalating regional tensions.
In parallel, Al-Akhbar also reported the arrest of a Spanish national in the Al-Kafaat area of southern Beirut suburbs, who was found filming in the vicinity and allegedly obstructed access to his phone’s data during interrogation.
These incidents underscore the growing complexities and sensitivities in the region, with various foreign entities allegedly pursuing covert operations amidst geopolitical tensions.