Lebanese army raids Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut – seizes weapons cache

The Lebanese army raided a Hezbollah stronghold in the Dahieh district of Beirut and seized a large quantity of weapons and ammunition. One suspect was arrested on suspicion of transferring weapons. Israel welcomes the move but warns: Hezbollah is rearming faster than it is being disarmed.

The Lebanese army announced that it seized a large quantity of weapons and ammunition during a raid in the southern suburbs of Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold. During the operation, one suspect was arrested on suspicion of involvement in the transfer of weapons. The raid in the Musharrafieh neighborhood was conducted as part of a 'targeted security operation' following surveillance of weapons transfers and trafficking. This is a relatively unusual activity, as the Lebanese army rarely announces such raids in Dahieh. The raid comes days after the Lebanese army announced the seizure of weapons in another Hezbollah stronghold in the east of the country, where six wanted individuals were arrested and RPG rockets were seized. The operations take place against the backdrop of the Lebanese government's efforts to disarm Hezbollah. Israel welcomed the steps but clarified that according to its assessment, Hezbollah is succeeding in rearming at a faster rate than it is being disarmed.