Lebanese Army Raids Massive Captagon Factory

Major Drug Lab Dismantled in Al-Yamouneh

The Lebanese Army has dismantled a massive Captagon manufacturing facility in the Bekaa Valley, a significant blow to drug trafficking operations in the region.

Extensive Operation Uncovers Large-Scale Production

Acting on intelligence from its Directorate of Information, the army executed a large-scale raid on July 13, 2025, in Al-Yamouneh, Baalbek district. The operation targeted what is described as one of the largest Captagon laboratories ever seized.

The facility housed approximately 10 tons of equipment and machinery. Authorities reported that a portion of these items were destroyed due to their involvement in illicit drug production. The scale of the operation underscores the extensive network involved in manufacturing these illegal stimulants.

Significant Seizures and Underground Network Revealed

During the raid, authorities secured a substantial quantity of Captagon pills, along with crystal meth and other controlled substances. A military bulldozer uncovered a 300-meter-long tunnel, apparently used for discreet access to the factory and for storing materials. This discovery points to a highly organized and secretive operation.

Captagon, a stimulant drug often associated with conflict zones, poses a significant challenge to regional stability. In 2023, Saudi Arabia alone seized over 300 million Captagon pills, highlighting the pervasive nature of the trade.

Investigations Underway to Apprehend Accomplices

The seized narcotics have been handed over to the relevant judicial authorities. An investigation has been launched, supervised by the judiciary, with ongoing efforts to apprehend all individuals involved in the drug trafficking network. The army stated that the discoveries signify a high level of organization and secrecy in the factory’s operations.

Bhamdoun Murder Claims Debunked by Security Forces

Social media rumors of deadly shooting declared false.

Reports circulating on social media alleging a murder in Bhamdoun, triggered by a dispute between a local resident and a Syrian national, have been refuted by both the Progressive Socialist Party and the Internal Security Forces, who are urging the media to verify information before publishing.

Progressive Socialist Party Response

The Progressive Socialist Party addressed the rumors, stating that the news was a shame of health. According to their statement, the incident involved a simple problem occurred between one of the region’s sons and one of the Syrian workers was treated immediately. They appealed to news outlets to avoid spreading harmful and inaccurate information.

Internal Security Forces Deny Murder

Similarly, the Public Relations Division of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) issued a statement denying the occurrence of a murder in Bhamdoun on July 9, 2025. The ISF emphasized that reports claiming a Syrian national shot a Lebanese citizen were false. The ISF also called on media outlets to practice the accuracy and objectivity in reporting the news, and to obtain information directly from the Public Relations Division. False reporting can lead to significant public anxiety; a 2023 study showed that 62% of adults report news consumption causes them anxiety (American Psychological Association).

#Security Forces It denies the occurrence of a murder in Bhamdoun

– Internal Security Forces (@LEBISF) July 9, 2025

Call for Responsible Reporting

Both the Progressive Socialist Party and the Internal Security Forces are urging media organizations to exercise caution and verify information to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain public order.

Hezbollah Repositions Fighters Amid Rising Israel Tension

In anticipation of potential Israeli military action, Hezbollah has reportedly redeployed its forces from southern villages to strategic locations. This comes as tensions rise following a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump.

Hezbollah’s Shift

Hezbollah has evacuated most fighters from southern villages and Baqi, according to reports. This relocation is viewed as a preparation for possible Israeli military operations, which could occur between Tuesday and Wednesday. The timing coincides with or follows meetings between Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump.

Diplomatic Efforts and Ceasefire Violations

Despite a ceasefire agreement signed on November 27, intended to enforce Resolution No. 1701, daily Israeli attacks on Lebanon allegedly persist. While Lebanese officials have denounced these attacks, citing violations of the agreement, Israel continues to claim the strikes target Hezbollah sites and affiliated individuals. According to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), there have been numerous instances of airspace violations in southern Lebanon (UNIFIL Mandate).

The Question of Hezbollah’s Weapons

Ongoing discussions revolve around the disarmament of Hezbollah, with calls for its weapons to be placed under the control of the Lebanese state. This issue has prompted diplomatic engagement from various countries seeking a resolution.

Trump’s Support for Israel

**Donald Trump** recently hosted Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. This marks Netanyahu‘s third visit since Trump‘s return to office in January. Previously, Trump authorized American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites to bolster Israel’s air campaigns. He later brokered a 12-day ceasefire in the Israeli-Iranian conflict.

Read more about the visit here.

The situation remains tense, with ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation between Israel and Hezbollah. The repositioning of Hezbollah fighters underscores the potential for renewed conflict, especially in light of recent Israeli actions and the unwavering support from the Trump administration.

Weapons Display During Ashura Draws Ire in Beirut

MP Urges Arrests After Video Surfaces

A video showing young men brandishing weapons in Beirut during Ashura commemorations has sparked outrage, with one member of parliament calling for immediate arrests. The display has ignited concerns over security and intimidation tactics in the capital.

Video Sparks Condemnation

A video clip posted by Representative Ibrahim Munimna shows a group of young men carrying and brandishing weapons on a Beirut street during the Ashura revival. Munimna sharply criticized the display.

Munimna stated that “The lifting of weapons in the neighborhoods of Beirut and this unjustified review is a weapon for bullying and the intimidation of people and the city’s captive to the weapon of the weapon, which we will not accept under any argument or name.”

Call for Accountability

According to Munimna, such displays demonstrate “a lack of understanding of the political reality” and are essentially meaningless in Beirut. Munimna is urging law enforcement to take swift action.

Munimna wrote: “And if it is a message aimed at saying adherence to weapons, it is unfortunately that it indicates a lack of understanding of the political reality, and an empty of its content in the alleys of the capital, Beirut.

He is specifically calling on “the judicial and security authorities to move immediately and arrest everyone who appears in this video, and referred them to investigation.”

Need for Security

Munimna stressed Beirut’s critical need for enhanced security, observing that “The capital, Beirut, today and more than past, is in the dire need to impose security and withdraw weapons that are weapons.”

He added that he intends to monitor the situation with relevant authorities, stating, “We will follow this with the concerned concerns.”

This incident comes as Lebanon struggles with ongoing political and economic instability. According to a recent report, gun violence is on the rise in many parts of the country, exacerbating existing tensions (Human Rights Watch 2021).

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.