House Destroyed in Southern Lebanon Amid Conflicting Reports

Incident follows reports of Israeli activity in the border region

Conflicting reports emerged from the southern Lebanese border town of Kafrkla today, following the discovery of a destroyed house in the Ain Al-Ashwaq area. Initial reports suggested an Israeli incursion, but later details disputed that account.

Initial Reports: Infiltration and Booby Trap

Early reports indicated that an Israeli force infiltrated the house of Abbas Badir, located on the outskirts of Kafrkla, at dawn. The house was allegedly booby-trapped, leading to its complete destruction.

Military Source Disputes Bombing

However, according to a Lebanese military source, the events at dawn in Kfarkla did not involve a bombing. The source indicated that the house was likely targeted from a distance, rather than through a bombing operation, as initially reported.

The military source further stated that “there are no evidence of the bombing, such as electrical wires and others.”

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is aware of the incident and is investigating, consistent with its mandate to monitor the cessation of hostilities, support the Lebanese Armed Forces, and maintain stability. (UNIFIL Mandate)

Related Incident: Bomb Near Workers

On Tuesday evening, an Israeli device was thrown near a building inhabited by workers in Kafrkla, causing no injuries.

Combing Operation Reported

Additionally, the Israeli army reportedly conducted a combing operation with machine guns from a military site toward the Al-Narji area on the outskirts of Ayta Al-Shaab.

Diplomatic Context: Tripartite Committee Meetings

These incidents occur as meetings of the Tripartite Committee accelerate, aiming to address concerns regarding alleged Hezbollah affiliation with weaponry. The committee, involving consultants and representatives of the President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, seeks to formulate a unified response to proposals from American envoy Tom Barak.

The ongoing consultations between the three presidencies are expected to reach a crucial point in the coming hours, with the goal of finalizing a response to Tom Barak before his expected visit next Monday. This visit holds significant importance as it relates to the American administration’s position on addressing the Lebanese border file with both Israel and Syria.