Lebanon: the army seized rockets and weapons in raids in Baalbek – what Aoun asked for as Israeli strikes continue in the south

A Lebanese army unit raided the homes of wanted men in three villages in the Baalbek area of the Bekaa Valley and seized a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and rockets. The announcement of the army command’s Directorate of Orientation was issued on Monday, November 9, the same day Israeli strikes on villages in the south continued.

The searches took place in Iaat, Deir al-Ahmar and Tal al-Abyad. Six people were arrested, four Lebanese and two Syrians, whom the army identifies only by their initials. They are accused of drug trafficking, firing shots and possession of weapons. Packed weapons, military ammunition, rockets and military equipment were found inside cars. The photographs released by the army show dozens of RPG rounds, rifles and magazines laid out on the ground. Tools and raw materials for making drugs were also seized.

The army presents the operation as part of the fight against drugs and the pursuit of those who disrupt security. The seized items were handed over to the competent authorities and the interrogation of those arrested began under judicial supervision. President Joseph Aoun had assured in October that the army and security forces fully carry out their duties to seize weapons and ammunition and fight smuggling, while Israel says it is still finding Hezbollah weaponry near UN positions in the south, as we reported.

Strikes in the south and Aoun’s appeal

In the south, the state news agency NNA recorded on Monday two air strikes on Kfar Tebnit in Nabatieh, one in the morning and one in the evening, as well as strikes on Qantara, Talloussa and Markaba in Marjayoun province. Israeli artillery shelled the outskirts of Zawtar al-Sharqiyah and Mayfadoun, and Mansouri and Majdal Zoun near Tyre, while a drone fired a missile near Jarmaq. In the Hasbaya area Israeli tanks moved toward the eastern edge of Kfar Shouba and soldiers bulldozed a house. Lebanon’s Health Ministry counts 4,390 dead and 12,429 wounded from Israeli attacks between March 2 and November 5, 2026.

The same day Mr Aoun received in Baabda the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross delegation, Anies Dir. As the presidency announced, he stressed that protecting civilians and meeting their basic needs, especially in the south, is a priority, and called for respect for international humanitarian law, an end to Israeli attacks and conditions for the safe return of residents. The delegation expressed concern about the consequences of UNIFIL’s gradual withdrawal.

At a meeting with farmers from the south, Mr Aoun said the agriculture minister had informed him of available aid of 7.5 million dollars, to be followed by 40 million dollars for 1,500 plastic greenhouses and 50 water pumps in the areas currently accessible. He said that in his contacts with senior American officials, among them Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he asked that Israel be pressed so farmers can reach and cultivate their fields, and that the matter is delayed because of Israel’s recent elections.