The CIA has sent additional agents to Lebanon and has increased its communications with Lebanese military, security, and political officials in an effort to obtain information about Hezbollah, and may have played a role in Israel’s recent attempt to assassinate a Hezbollah political leader, Al-Akhbar reported on 14 October.

CIA personnel land in Lebanon, ramp up intel gathering to support Israel’s war

Related:

Reddit (English translation of Tweet by Al Akhbar): Al-Akhbar: Ibrahim Al-Amin | The U.S. Enters the War: Officers Join the Beirut Station to Undermine the Resistance from Within | Is the CIA Involved in an Assassination Attempt on Wafiq Safa?

The same official said Hezbollah’s suspicions about U.S. involvement in the war increased after this attempted strike, and the group believes the CIA played a direct role in the assassination attempt on Safa. He explained that global intelligence agencies operating in Lebanon, including Israeli intelligence, are well aware that Safa has no role in Hezbollah’s military operations; his role is executive, representing Hezbollah’s leadership in communications with Lebanese security and military agencies and other entities. He holds no position that would make him a critical military target. However, the enemy doesn’t mind assassinating Safa, given his close ties to Sayyed Nasrallah, and this operation was likely carried out in cooperation with the Americans. There is also evidence suggesting that the assassination attempt was based on intelligence provided by the U.S., as Washington aims to sever any connections between Hezbollah and Lebanese military or security officials. It’s as if the Americans are sending a message to Hezbollah that they will eliminate any key figures who could exert pressure on Lebanese entities. The killing of Safa falls in line with a broader campaign launched by U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson, who has urged various Lebanese political and non-political forces to start working on establishing a “post-Hezbollah Lebanon.”

The same official conveyed warnings that the U.S. may be supporting Israeli operations to target or assassinate Hezbollah’s non-military figures in an effort to reduce its influence within Lebanon. Arab intelligence agencies have expressed concerns that Israel might replicate tactics it used in Gaza, particularly as Israeli forces have been targeting Hezbollah’s health and relief sectors, while U.S. supporters inside Lebanon incite opposition against all who back the resistance. This includes attempts to prevent Hezbollah’s media officer, Mohammad Afif, from holding a press conference outside Beirut’s southern suburbs.

i24NEWS – Report: CIA in Lebanon to uncover military’s ties to Hezbollah