Lebanese authorities reported that dozens of people were killed following an Israeli commando raid in a border region near Syria, as Israeli forces searched for the remains of a long-missing airman.

According to the Lebanese military, the operation took place late Friday night when four Israeli helicopters entered Lebanese airspace and flew towards a border area between Lebanon and Syria.

Helicopters land amid heavy bombardment

The Lebanese military said two helicopters landed near the area, while intense bombardment targeted nearby villages.

As Israeli commandos approached the village of Nabi Chit, they reportedly encountered Hezbollah fighters and local residents, resulting in a firefight.

Lebanese authorities alleged that the commandos were wearing uniforms resembling those of the Lebanese army and were using vehicles and ambulances made to look like those belonging to the Islamic Health Authority.

Hezbollah said its fighters fired at the Israeli force using light and medium weapons as the commandos moved toward a cemetery in the eastern part of the village.

The group added that its fighters launched concentrated fire while Israeli forces withdrew from the area.

Search for missing Israeli airman

Reports indicate that the Israeli operation was aimed at locating the remains of Ron Arad, an Israeli navigator who has been missing since 1986 after ejecting from his F-4 fighter jet.

In 2008, Hezbollah announced that Arad had died, but Israeli authorities have continued efforts to locate his remains.

Sources said the raid was reportedly based on intelligence obtained from Ahmad Shuker, a Lebanese security official who was allegedly abducted in December.

However, Israeli forces were unable to locate the airman’s remains during the operation.

Heavy damage reported

Videos shared on social media and verified by media organisations showed a large crater and extensive damage to buildings in Nabi Chit, with debris and rubble scattered across the streets.

Local residents described a terrifying night as helicopters flew low over the town.

One resident said villagers woke up and began firing at the aircraft, after which airstrikes reportedly intensified before the situation calmed by morning.

Casualty figures disputed

The Lebanese health ministry said the raid and accompanying strikes killed 41 people and injured about 40 others.

However, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that no Israeli soldiers were injured and said it was not aware of any casualties based on its information.

Family of missing airman responds

Following reports of the raid, Tami Arad, the widow of Ron Arad, thanked the Israeli government for continuing efforts to locate her husband’s remains.

However, she also urged authorities not to risk soldiers’ lives in such operations.

“For us, the sanctity of life takes priority over the commitment to bring back the remains of a soldier,” she wrote on social media.

The raid comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with Israel carrying out intensified strikes against Hezbollah following the escalation of conflict involving Iran.