BEIRUT, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Israeli commandos abducted a senior member of the Al-Jamaa al-Islamiya group in southern Lebanon at dawn Monday, Lebanese security sources and eyewitnesses said.
A security source said Israeli forces entered on foot from the occupied Shebaa Farms around 1:00 a.m. local time, surrounded the home of Atwi Atwi on the northern edge of Hebbariyeh village, stormed the house, and withdrew toward Shebaa Farms with the detainee.
Al-Jamaa al-Islamiya, also known as the Islamic Group, which has claimed responsibility for attacks against Israel in past conflicts, condemned the abduction. The group called the raid a violation of Lebanese sovereignty and urged the government to pressure Israel for Atwi's release and ensure civilian protection.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that a special forces unit captured a "senior" member of Al-Jamaa al-Islamiya during an overnight operation. The IDF said the raid ended early Monday with no clashes and that the detainee was taken into Israeli territory for further interrogation. It also reported finding weapons at the site and said intelligence gathered in recent weeks prompted the operation.
Since Nov. 27, 2024, a U.S.- and French-brokered ceasefire has been in place between Hezbollah and Israel following clashes tied to the Gaza war. Despite the agreement, Israel has continued strikes in Lebanon, citing the need to counter Hezbollah threats, and maintains forces at five points along the border, even after the Feb. 18, 2025, withdrawal deadline. ■
