Lebanons historic Beaufort Castle is seized by Israeli forces

Israeli Forces Capture Ancient Fortress in Lebanon

A 900-year-old fortress in southern Lebanon has been captured by Israeli forces as part of an expanded military operation against the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. The capture was announced on Sunday, amid ongoing fighting despite a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.

The fortress, known as Beaufort Castle or Qalaat al-Shaqif, is located on a rocky hilltop in southern Lebanon, approximately 700 meters above sea level. Built by Crusaders during the 12th century, the castle has changed hands multiple times over the centuries, including periods of occupation by various regional powers such as the Ottoman Empire.

According to Defence Minister Israel Katz, the capture of Beaufort Castle is a significant achievement for Israeli forces, allowing them to secure high ground close to the Israeli border. The fortress’s elevated position provides an observation point over a large part of southern Lebanon and northern Israel, according to reports from Al Jazeera.

The capture comes amid ongoing fighting in southern Lebanon, with Israeli forces advancing through rugged terrain near Nabatieh after days of air strikes in surrounding villages. Clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters had been taking place in the area.

According to the latest figures from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, more than 3,412 people have been killed and 10,269 wounded in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2. The capture of Beaufort Castle is part of an ongoing military operation aimed at dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure.

The fortress’s strategic location makes it a significant military position, with reports suggesting that the Israeli forces now occupy about 2,000 square kilometers of Lebanese territory – nearly one-fifth of the country.

Source: Al Jazeera