The threat Israel didn’t foresee: Hezbollah’s growing drone power

People pass by a replica drone in a war museum operated by Hezbollah in Mlita village, southern Lebanon, on Feb. 19, 2022. (AP)
People pass by a replica drone in a war museum operated by Hezbollah in Mlita village, southern Lebanon, on Feb. 19, 2022. (AP)
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Updated 10 August 2024
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The threat Israel didn’t foresee: Hezbollah’s growing drone power

People pass by a replica drone in a war museum operated by Hezbollah in Mlita village, southern Lebanon, on Feb. 19, 2022. (AP)
  • The Lebanese militant group still apparently relies on parts from Western countries, which could pose an obstacle to mass production
  • Since the near daily exchange of fire along the Lebanon-Israel border began in early October, Hezbollah has used drones more to bypass Israeli air defense systems and strike its military posts along the border, as well as deep inside Israel

BEIRUT: Lebanon’s militant Hezbollah group launched one of its deepest strikes into Israel in mid-May, using an explosive drone that scored a direct hit on one of Israel’s most significant air force surveillance systems.
This and other successful drone attacks have given the Iranian-backed militant group another deadly option for an expected retaliation against Israel for its airstrike in Beirut last month that killed top Hezbollah military commander Fouad Shukur.
“It is a threat that has to be taken seriously,” Fabian Hinz, a research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said of Hezbollah’s drone capability.
While Israel has built air defense systems, including the Iron Dome and David’s Sling to guard against Hezbollah’s rocket and missile arsenal, there has been less focus on the drone threat.
“And as a result there has been less effort to build defensive capabilities” against drones, Hinz said.
Drones, or UAVS, are unmanned aircraft that can be operated from afar. Drones can enter, surveil and attack enemy territory more discreetly than missiles and rockets.
Hezbollah proclaimed the success of its May drone strike, which targeted a blimp used as part of Israel’s missile defense system at a base about 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the Lebanon border.
The militants released footage showing what they said was their explosive Ababil drone flying toward the Sky Dew blimp, and later released photographs of the downed aircraft.
Israel’s military confirmed Hezbollah scored a direct hit.
“This attack reflects an improvement in accuracy and the ability to evade Israeli air defenses,” said a report released by the Institute for National Security Studies, an independent think tank affiliated with Tel Aviv University.
Since the near daily exchange of fire along the Lebanon-Israel border began in early October, Hezbollah has used drones more to bypass Israeli air defense systems and strike its military posts along the border, as well as deep inside Israel.
While Israel has intercepted hundreds of drones from Lebanon during the Israel-Hamas war, its air defense systems are not hermetic, an Israeli security official said. Drones are smaller and slower than missiles and rockets, therefore harder to stop. That’s especially true when they are launched from close to the border and require a shorter reaction time to intercept.
The official, who was not authorized to speak publicly in line with Israeli security restrictions, said Israeli air defense systems have had to contend with more drones during this war than ever before, and Israel responded by attacking launch points.
On Tuesday, a Hezbollah drone attack on an Israeli army base near the northern city of Nahariya wounded six people. One of the group’s bloodiest drone attacks was in April, killing one Israeli soldier and wounding 13 others plus four civilians in the northern Israeli community of Arab Al-Aramsheh.
Hezbollah also sent surveillance drones that filmed vital facilities in Israel’s north, including in Haifa, its suburbs and the Ramat David Airbase, southeast of the coastal city.
While Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has boasted the militant group can now manufacture its own drones, its attacks so far have mainly relied on Iranian-made Ababil and Shahed drones. It has also used a drone, at least once, that fires Russian-made S5 guided missiles.
Hezbollah’s increasing capabilities have come despite Israel killing some of its most important drone experts.
The most high-profile was Shukur, who Israel said was responsible for most of Hezbollah’s most advanced weaponry, including missiles, long-range rockets and drones.
In 2013, a senior Hezbollah operative, Hassan Lakkis, considered one of its drone masterminds, was shot dead south of Beirut. The group blamed Israel. More recent strikes in Syria attributed to Israel killed Iranian and Hezbollah drone experts, including an official with the Iranian paramilitary Revolutionary Guard’s aerospace division.
In its early days, Hezbollah used lower-tech tactics, including paragliders, to attack behind enemy lines.
After Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon in 2000 after an 18-year occupation, Hezbollah began using Iranian-made drones and sent the first reconnaissance Mirsad drone over Israel’s airspace in 2004.
After the 34-day Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006, Lakkis, the Hezbollah drone mastermind, took charge of the drone program.
Hezbollah increased its use of drones in reconnaissance and attacks during its involvement in Syria’s conflict. In 2022, as Lebanon engaged in indirect negotiations to demarcate its maritime border with Israel, the group sent three drones over one of Israel’s biggest gas facilities in the Mediterranean before they were shot down by Israel.
Hezbollah’s drone program still receives substantial assistance from Iran, and the UAVs are believed to be assembled by experts of the militant group in Lebanon.
“Since Iran has not been able to achieve aerial supremacy, it has resorted to such types of aircraft,” said retired Lebanon general and military expert Naji Malaaeb referring to drones. He added that Russia has benefited from buying hundreds of Iranian Shahed drones to use in its war against Ukraine.
In February, the Ukrainian intelligence service said that Iranian and Hezbollah experts were training Russian troops to operate Shahed-136 and Ababil-3 drones at an air base in central Syria. Russia, Iran and Hezbollah have a military presence in Syria, where they have been fighting alongside Syrian President Bashar Assad’s forces.
In a 2022 speech, Nasrallah boasted that “we in Lebanon, and since a long time, have started producing drones.”
The Lebanese militant group still apparently relies on parts from Western countries, which could pose an obstacle to mass production.
In mid-July, three people were arrested in Spain and one in Germany on suspicion of belonging to a network that supplied Hezbollah with parts to build explosive drones for use in attacks in northern Israel.
The Spanish companies implicated, like others in Europe and around the world, purchased items, including electronic guidance components, propulsion propellers, gasoline engines, more than 200 electric motors and materials for the fuselage, wings and other drone parts, according to investigators.
Authorities believe Hezbollah may have built several hundred drones with these components. Still, Iran remains Hezbollah’s main supplier.
“Israel’s air force can fire missiles on different parts of Lebanon, and now Hezbollah has drones and missiles that can reach any areas in Israel,” Iranian political analyst and political science professor Emad Abshenass said. He added that as the US arms its closest ally, Israel, Iran is doing the same by arming groups such as Hezbollah.
 

 


Sudan army denies killing civilians in market attack

Sudan army denies killing civilians in market attack
Updated 26 March 2025
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Sudan army denies killing civilians in market attack

Sudan army denies killing civilians in market attack
  • At least 270 killed in airstrike in North Darfur amid conflict with paramilitary rivals
KHARTOUM: Sudan’s regular army denied targeting civilians on Tuesday after at least 270 people died in an airstrike on a market in Tora in North Darfur.

“False claims such as this arise whenever our forces exercise their constitutional and legitimate right to engage hostile targets,” military spokesman Nabil Abdallah said. “We abide in our air strikes by the rules of targeting in accordance with international law, and we absolutely cannot target innocent civilians.”

The army has been fighting the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since April 2023, and both sides have been accused of war crimes. The conflict has killed at least 150,000 people and displaced about 12 million.

The strike in Darfur came days after the army reclaimed the presidential palace in Khartoum in a major victory over the paramilitaries. North Darfur state capital El-Fasher, 40 km south of Tora, is the only regional state capital the Rapid Support Forces have not captured, despite besieging the city for ten months and regularly attacking the displacement camps that surround it.

Turkiye, US want to lift defense industry restrictions after talks, Turkish source says

Turkiye, US want to lift defense industry restrictions after talks, Turkish source says
Updated 26 March 2025
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Turkiye, US want to lift defense industry restrictions after talks, Turkish source says

Turkiye, US want to lift defense industry restrictions after talks, Turkish source says
  • Ties between the US and Turkiye have drifted away from a strategic partnership in recent years as disagreements between the two long-standing treaty allies have widened
  • The two emphasized the importance of stability in Syria and in the Balkans, while discussing efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, and the need for a ceasefire in Gaza, the source added

ANKARA/WASHINGTON: Turkiye and the United States want to remove obstacles to defense industry cooperation, a Turkish Foreign Ministry source said on Wednesday, after talks between the NATO allies’ top diplomats in Washington.
On Tuesday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan kicked off a two-day visit to Washington, where he was expected to ask Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other US officials to remove US sanctions on Turkiye and allow it back into a crucial fighter jet program.
The visit comes as Ankara seeks warmer ties with Washington under the administration of President Donald Trump and just days after a phone call between Trump and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan that a top Trump aide described as “transformational.”
The top Turkish diplomat’s visit also comes at a critical time for Erdogan, after his main political rival and Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, was jailed pending trial on Sunday, prompting the largest anti-government protests in over a decade.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Turkish foreign minister meets Rubio in Washington

• Turkey wants back into F-35 program, lifting of CAATSA sanctions

• Trump and Turkey's Erdogan had 'transformational' phone call

Ties between the US and Turkiye have drifted away from a strategic partnership in recent years as disagreements between the two long-standing treaty allies have widened.
The administration of former President Joe Biden kept Turkiye at arm’s length over what it saw as the fellow NATO member’s close ties with Russia. Under Trump, who views Moscow much more favorably, Ankara is hoping for a warmer relationship with Washington. It also plans to capitalize on the personal ties between the two leaders.
During the meeting between Fidan and Rubio on Tuesday, both sides “clearly put forth their political will to lift obstacles to cooperation in the defense industry field,” the source said, adding they also followed up on matters discussed between Trump and Erdogan.
“Technical talks will be held for the resolution of existing problems,” the person added, without elaborating.
During his first term, Trump initially ignored advice from his aides to impose sanctions on Turkiye under its Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) over Ankara’s acquisition of Russian S-400 air defense missile systems in 2019. He then took the step in 2020.
That acquisition also led to Turkiye’s removal from the F-35 jet program, where it was a manufacturer and buyer. Ankara says its removal is unjust and illegal, and has demanded to rejoin or be reimbursed for its investment in the program.
Conversations between the allies on how to resolve the S-400 deadlock were ongoing under Biden. Turkiye had pledged to keep the systems non-operational, a source familiar with the discussions said, but a breakthrough never came.
A Turkish official, requesting anonymity, told Reuters ahead of Fidan’s visit that Ankara was aiming to agree with Washington that keeping the S-400s non-operational can be enough to resolve the matter.

RUSSIA IMPACT
During the Biden era, the allies had settled into a new phase of relations, with a more transactional focus rather than based on shared values, as differences over policies on Syria, the war in Gaza, and judicial matters persisted.
Since coming back into office on January 20, Trump upended Biden’s policy to isolate Moscow and provide unwavering support to Kyiv and instead focused on ending Russia’s war in Ukraine. His shift spooked European leaders who feared Washington could be turning its back to Europe and bolstered Ankara’s role as a potential partner in reshaping European security.
The Turkish official said discussions between Washington and Ankara had “taken a new dimension” after Trump’s shift in approach to Moscow.
“If US sanctions on Russia are to be lifted, it becomes illogical for CAATSA to be implemented on third countries. As much as this issue is about Turkiye-USA ties, it is also about Turkiye-Russia ties,” the official added.
Sources familiar with the matter said the phone call between Erdogan and Trump may bring positive momentum to conversations in coming days, though no promises were made.
“The president had a great conversation with Erdogan a couple of days ago. Really transformational, I would describe it,” Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff said in an interview with right-wing podcaster Tucker Carlson.
Exclusion from the F-35 program pushed Turkiye to purchase 40 Lockheed Martin Block-70 F-16 fighter jets. However, despite agreeing on the procurement, there has been little progress on the acquisition for months.
The Turkish source said Fidan and Rubio also discussed head of state-level visits to be held in the coming period, without elaborating.
The two also emphasized the importance of stability in Syria and in the Balkans, while discussing efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, and the need for a ceasefire in Gaza, the source added.

 


UAE president discusses Gaza with Donald Trump, reviews recent bilateral agreements

UAE president discusses Gaza with Donald Trump, reviews recent bilateral agreements
Updated 26 March 2025
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UAE president discusses Gaza with Donald Trump, reviews recent bilateral agreements

UAE president discusses Gaza with Donald Trump, reviews recent bilateral agreements
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed reiterates to his US counterpart the UAE’s commitment to a 2-state solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict
  • The leaders also review the outcomes of the official visit to Washington last week by the UAE’s national security adviser

LONDON: The president of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, spoke on Tuesday with his American counterpart, Donald Trump, about several Middle Eastern issues including the conflict in Gaza.

During their telephone conversation, Sheikh Mohammed reiterated the UAE’s commitment to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as the foundation for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the region.

He also addressed the ongoing efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire agreement in Gaza and maintain regional stability, and emphasized the need for vital humanitarian aid to reach the people in the Palestinian territory, the Emirates News Agency reported.

The leaders also reviewed the outcomes of an official visit to Washington last week by the UAE’s national security adviser, Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. Significant agreements between the two nations were reached during his trip in areas including artificial intelligence, advanced technology, infrastructure and energy.

Sheikh Mohammed and Trump reiterated their shared commitment to the enhancement of strategic cooperation for mutual benefit, the news agency added.


100,000 Palestinians perform prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque

100,000 Palestinians perform prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque
Updated 26 March 2025
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100,000 Palestinians perform prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque

100,000 Palestinians perform prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque
  • Ramadan set to conclude at the weekend

LONDON: Around 100,000 Palestinians performed the evening and Taraweeh prayers on the 25th day of the holy month of Ramadan at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on Tuesday, despite Israeli restrictions.

Ramadan, a month of fasting and worship for Muslims from sunrise to sunset, is set to conclude at the weekend. The last 10 days of the holy month are a time when some Muslims dedicate themselves to worship.

The Jerusalem Waqf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, which is responsible for administering the site, said that most of the 100,000 worshippers were residents of Jerusalem and Palestinian citizens of Israel.

However, thousands of Palestinians from various cities and towns in the occupied West Bank were prevented from entering Jerusalem due to Israeli military checkpoints. Restrictive measures have been implemented by Israel since the start of Ramadan and age and security screenings have played a part in determining whether access to the city is allowed.

Upon the conclusion of Ramadan on Saturday or Sunday, majority-Muslim countries celebrate the holiday of Eid Al-Fitr over three days, marking the festivities of breaking the fast with family visits and trips.


UN officials call for ‘fast and broad’ easing of sanctions as Syria faces fragile transition

UN officials call for ‘fast and broad’ easing of sanctions as Syria faces fragile transition
Updated 26 March 2025
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UN officials call for ‘fast and broad’ easing of sanctions as Syria faces fragile transition

UN officials call for ‘fast and broad’ easing of sanctions as Syria faces fragile transition
  • ‘Some steps have been taken but more is needed if Syrians are to be given the chance to recover,’ the UN’s special envoy for Syria tells Security Council
  • The country faces ‘immense challenges,’ and requires ‘serious international support’ in the form of investment in reconstruction, and funding for humanitarian aid

NEW YORK CITY: As Syria grapples with the aftermath of 14 years of civil war, UN leaders on Tuesday called for a “fast and broad” easing of the sanctions on the country, as they stressed the need for urgent international action to support a fragile political transition and address an escalating humanitarian crisis.

“We need to see fast and broad sanctions-easing, with relevant targeted and sectoral suspensions, including in energy, investments, finance, health and education,” said Geir Pedersen, the UN’s special envoy for Syria.

“Some steps have been taken but more is needed if Syrians are to be given the chance to recover. It is essential that sanctioning states consider the important restrictions that still persist and that hamper response.”

He was speaking during a meeting of the Security Council in New York to discuss the “immense challenges” facing the country four months after the fall of the Assad regime.

It comes amid several significant developments on the political and security fronts in Syria. This month, sectarian violence between the caretaker authorities and their affiliates on one hand, and Alawite fighters on the other, has left hundreds of civilians dead in the western coastal governorates of Latakia and Tartous. This represents the most dangerous escalation of violence in the country since the fall of former president Bashar Assad and his government in December.

“The scale and sophistication of these attacks were striking,” Pedersen said.

Despite the ongoing violence there and elsewhere, including areas such as Aleppo, northeastern Syria and southern regions, Pedersen remained cautiously optimistic about recent peace agreements, including one between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the interim national authorities.

“The agreement offers hope for more effective humanitarian access and a path forward in northeast Syria,” he said.

A credible political transition is an important step in ensuring long-term stability, he added, and the UN has been pushing for a more inclusive and transparent process as the country prepares for the appointment of transitional authorities.

“Syrians await the announcement of a transitional government and a legislative council that reflects the country’s diversity,” Pedersen said. He called for further cooperation on constitutional and security-sector reforms, and efforts to ensure accountability for past atrocities.

He noted that “there was a sense of exclusion from the transition and the public sector, and there were pent-up grievances and anger towards persons associated with the former regime.”

He also emphasized the critical need for international investment in the reconstruction process.

“Syrians need an economic future and they need serious international support to enable it,” he said, as he urged the international community to consider the easing of sanctions and provide the vital assistance required to help rebuild shattered infrastructure.

Tom Fletcher, the UN’s under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, told council members that there was a “real sense of progress” in efforts to scale up humanitarian efforts in Syria. Cross-border aid deliveries from Turkiye have been significantly expanded, allowing relief teams to reach key areas such as Damascus and Homs, he said.

“We’re engaging with various member states to further ease sanctions and restrictions that affect our operations,” Fletcher added.

“Through this combination of efforts we, on your behalf, are getting support to millions of people across Syria each month.”

He noted the critical role of international partners in this effort, and acknowledged in particular Qatar’s contribution to the provision of electricity for Syrians, via Jordan, and infrastructure projects such as the reopening of the Atareb Water Station in Aleppo, which is now serving about 40,000 people.

However, he warned that adequate funding remains a major obstacle.

“The outlook is gloomy,” Fletcher said. “Our initial survey suggests that almost half of US-funded organizations have received full or partial stop orders, with a 40 per cent cut in humanitarian staff.

“This year, we are appealing for $2 billion to reach 8 million of the most vulnerable people through June. So far, we’ve received only about $155 million, just 13 percent of what we need.”

The funding shortfalls continue to impede life-saving operations, he added.

Both Pedersen and Fletcher warned that the stakes are high and the cost of hesitation in the face of Syria’s transition would be far greater than any investment needed to help foster a lasting peace.

“But there is no time to spare,” Fletcher said. “Let us be problem-solvers rather than problem-observers. We need to move with greater urgency, while we can. The price of failure will far outweigh the investment we are asking for.

“The people of Syria deserve the chance to see through the monumental task ahead and build a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive future. We must respond to their aspirations with energy and ambition.”