The Israeli army has announced the arrest of Ali Suleiman al-Assi, a Syrian citizen from the Druze minority, in a recent “pinpoint operation.” Al-Assi is suspected of monitoring the Israeli military on behalf of Iran from within Syria.
According to a statement from the Israeli army spokesperson’s office, special forces arrested al-Assi in Sayda, a town in Daraa, southern Syria. Al-Assi, reportedly a member of the Druze community, is accused of spying on the Israeli army in the border region while allegedly posing as a Syrian military intelligence officer and providing information to Iran.
The Israeli army spokesperson’s office also released footage of al-Assi’s interrogation.
Separately, it was reported that Israeli forces conducted an operation in Lebanon, during which they apprehended Imad Ehmez, a Lebanese citizen, in the coastal town of Batroun. Images published in the Lebanese press and on social media show Israeli forces landing in Batroun and arresting Ehmez.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has instructed Foreign Minister Abdullah Buhabib to file a complaint with the United Nations Security Council regarding the abduction.
Israel claims that Imad Ehmez is a “military official responsible for weapons supplies to Hezbollah” and a “naval officer in the Lebanese army.” Lebanese authorities, however, dispute these claims, asserting that Ehmez is a civilian sailor and captain.
Fadel Ehmez, the father of Imad Ehmez, insists that his son has no affiliation with any political group. He has called on the International Red Cross and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to assist in securing his son’s safe return.
