US personnel draw weapons on Lebanese officials following drone crash near Hamat base

US personnel reportedly barred Lebanese authorities from accessing the wreckage of an unidentified unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that crashed near the Hamat Airbase in northern Lebanon during the early hours of February 17, according to security sources cited by The Cradle. The drone, which was detected by security units at the base where US forces are stationed, crashed into a nearby forested area following an intervention.

Patrols from the Hamat municipal police and elements of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) were immediately dispatched to the site to inspect the debris.

US personnel drew weapons against local officials

US personnel on the scene actively obstructed the investigation into the downed UAV. A security source reported that US soldiers drew their weapons to prevent Lebanese officials, including the local mayor, from accessing the crash site. The US contingent justified the exclusion by citing security concerns, alleging that the drone might have been rigged with explosive booby traps.

While Lebanese authorities were unable to take custody of the UAV, it was subsequently reported that US officials informed them the craft was no longer at its initial discovery point.

Mayor rejects US general’s apology request

A US general stationed at the base reportedly contacted the Mayor of Hamat to offer an apology for the incident; however, the overture was rebuffed. The mayor declined the request for a meeting, citing his objection to the conduct of the forces stationed at the base in northern Lebanon.

This latest violation of Lebanese airspace occurs as the Israeli military continues to breach the terms of a US-brokered ceasefire.

UNIFIL documents aggressive Israeli drone activity

In early February, units of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) operating near Kafr Kila in southern Lebanon detected two UAVs. One of the aircraft was reported to be carrying an unidentified object characterized as an “immediate threat.” The UAV reportedly dropped a sound bomb that detonated approximately 50 meters from UNIFIL troops before proceeding toward Israel.

The UN mission emphasized that the drone belonged to the Israeli military and had crossed the Blue Line in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The statement underscored that the use of armed UAVs in such a manner is unacceptable.

Israel commits over 12,000 violations post-ceasefire

Since Hezbollah suspended its attacks in November 2024, the Israeli military has reportedly violated Lebanese sovereignty more than 12,000 times. This figure includes over 8,000 airspace violations and approximately 700 airstrikes. Israeli operations have resulted in the deaths of 343 Lebanese nationals and left nearly 1,000 others wounded. Reported civilian casualties include a significant number of women and children.

Israeli forces maintain a military presence at several border points within Lebanese territory, preventing more than 64,000 displaced persons from returning to their homes due to the extent of the destruction.

Katz defends military presence in Lebanese territory

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on February 18 that the military presence at five points in Southern Lebanon was not a formal component of the ceasefire agreement but was a condition they had imposed, which the US had accepted.

This declaration coincides with reports from the Lebanese government indicating that the army will require at least four months to proceed with the next phase of the plan involving the disarmament of Hezbollah.