The Lebanese army announced on Wednesday that it had eliminated three of the country’s most dangerous drug traffickers in the Baalbek district of northeastern Lebanon. The suspects, who were also linked to Hezbollah, were killed during a high-risk car chase and drone strike in the Al-Sharawneh neighborhood.
According to a military statement, army units were pursuing a vehicle carrying the wanted men when a clash broke out, leading to the deaths of all three. The operation marked the culmination of several failed past attempts to apprehend the individuals, which had previously resulted in injuries to Lebanese soldiers.
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The army described the suspects as “among the most prominent and dangerous drug dealers,” with long histories of violent criminal activity. In addition to drug trafficking, they were wanted for multiple serious offenses, including the murder of army personnel, kidnappings, armed robberies, and attacks on military patrols and outposts.
The Baalbek region, particularly Al-Sharawneh, has long been plagued by lawlessness, with frequent clashes between rival clans and armed groups. It is also known as a hotbed for narcotics production and trafficking. The Lebanese army regularly carries out raids and targeted operations in the area to dismantle criminal networks and restore order.
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Wednesday’s successful strike highlights the army’s continued efforts to crack down on organized crime despite limited resources and a complex security environment. The use of drone technology in the operation also signals a shift toward more advanced tactics in Lebanon’s ongoing internal security challenges.
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