Lebanon Releases Two Hizballah Militants as Prisons Are Cleared of Terror Detainees

Hizballah drill, Tasnim News Agency reporter (uncredited), Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 | Jihad Watch

Lebanon has reportedly released the last remaining members of Hezbollah who were detained for allegedly violating the country’s newly imposed restrictions on armed activity, according to local media sources. The development signals a significant shift in the enforcement of the government’s recent security measures targeting unauthorized military operations.

The two operatives were granted bail set at 100 million Lebanese pounds (approximately $1,120) and released earlier this week. Their detention, which lasted about a month, had been overseen by investigative military judge Ghada Abou Alwan, a judicial source confirmed. Their release effectively leaves no Hezbollah-linked detainees in custody under the new arms regulations.

The arrests had previously sparked protests from a group identifying itself as “national lawyers,” who argued that the detained individuals were not criminals but “resistance fighters” acting in defense of Lebanon and its people. The controversy highlighted the deep political and ideological divisions within the country over Hezbollah’s role and legitimacy.

According to reports by Asharq Al-Awsat, citing judicial sources, the suspects admitted to transporting a significant cache of weapons. This included 21 Grad missiles, 3,000 rounds of ammunition, and eight machine guns, allegedly moved from the Bekaa Valley to southern Lebanon. The stated intent, according to the report, was to prepare for confrontation with the Israel Defense Forces.

Lebanon introduced the ban on Hezbollah’s independent military activities in March following an escalation in tensions with Israel. The move came after the group reportedly launched attacks across the border in response to the killing of Ali Khamenei, an incident that further intensified regional instability.

The release of the two operatives raises questions about the Lebanese state’s ability—or willingness—to enforce its own restrictions on armed groups, as the country continues to navigate a complex internal and geopolitical landscape.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)