Lebanon arrests man in Hezbollah drone case

Lebanese authorities have apprehended a national suspected of importing components used in the construction of Hezbollah drones, according to a judicial source speaking to AFP on Thursday.

Hezbollah has employed fiber optic drones, noted for their resistance to jamming, in its ongoing hostilities against Israel since early March. The judicial source, who requested anonymity, revealed that the businessman's arrest was initiated at the behest of France as part of a broader investigation.

The arrested individual reportedly confessed to importing electrical equipment and supplying it to an individual believed to be a Hezbollah member. However, he denied any knowledge of the intended use for these imported items.

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The man had admitted to importing electrical equipment and delivering it to someone who could be a Hezbollah member but denied knowing what the items were used for.

Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the regional conflict on March 2, launching rockets at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader in U.S.-Israeli strikes. Israel responded with extensive airstrikes and a ground offensive.

While Iran and the U.S. announced a de-escalation agreement on Monday, leading to a significant reduction in violence along the Lebanese border, the Israeli military stated on Thursday its intention to continue operations in southern Lebanon. The military aims to "remove threats" beyond its self-declared security zone.

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will continue operating in southern Lebanon and "remove threats" beyond its so-called security zone.