Israeli strike in Baalbek targets arms dealer tied to Syria
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The Israeli army announced on Thursday that it had killed a Lebanese national in an airstrike in the Baalbek area of eastern Lebanon, saying he was involved in supplying weapons to cells operating inside Syria.
In a statement, the Israeli military identified the man as Hussein Seifo Sharif, describing him as “a major arms dealer and supplier from Lebanon who directed terrorist cells inside Syria.” According to the statement, these cells “planned terrorist activities against the State of Israel.”
The army said the individual’s activities violated existing understandings between Israel and Lebanon, adding that “the Israel Defense Forces will continue to act to remove any threat against the State of Israel.”
The Israeli strike comes amid heightened tensions along regional fronts, with the conflict in Syria remaining a focal point for cross-border military activity. While Israel frequently targets sites linked to Iranian-backed groups and Hezbollah in Syria, the latest strike extended into Lebanese territory, specifically in Baalbek, a known stronghold of Hezbollah.
Syrian territories have repeatedly witnessed Israeli air raids over the past years, targeting alleged weapons depots and supply routes. Such operations have drawn regional criticism and fueled concerns over further destabilization.
The Israeli army did not provide additional details about the timing of the strike or whether others were affected. Lebanese authorities have not yet issued a formal statement regarding the incident.