Lebanon Army Reaffirms Loyalty After US Sanctions Lebanese Officers over Alleged Hezbollah Links

What happened

Naharnet reports that Lebanon’s army issued a statement Friday reaffirming the loyalty and professionalism of its personnel following US sanctions targeting two Lebanese officers, including Colonel Samir Hamadi, accused of sharing intelligence with Hezbollah. The statement stressed that military personnel remain committed to their national duties solely to the institution and nation, dismissing claims of divided loyalties.

The central claim remains unconfirmed in the supplied material and should be treated as hearsay until corroborated by another reliable source or a named official. The US Treasury on Thursday sanctioned nine individuals linked to Hezbollah in Lebanon, marking the first time Lebanese military officers were sanctioned. The sanctions accuse Hamadi and Khattar Nasser Eldin, an officer in another state security agency, of sharing important intelligence with Hezbollah over the past year. The Lebanese army said it was not informed of the sanctions ahead of the announcement.

Hezbollah condemned the sanctions as an attempt to intimidate the Lebanese people and to support what it described as ‘Zionist aggression’ against Lebanon. These allegations and responses underscore ongoing tensions between Hezbollah, Lebanon’s institutions, and international actors, particularly the US.

Known from the source

• Lebanon’s military issued a statement on May 22, 2026, affirming the loyalty of its officers and soldiers following US sanctions.
• The US sanctioned nine Hezbollah-linked individuals in Lebanon on May 21, 2026, including Lebanese army Colonel Samir Hamadi and Khattar Nasser Eldin from another Lebanese security agency.
• The US accuses these officers of sharing intelligence with Hezbollah over the past year.
• The Lebanese army said it was not informed in advance of the sanctions.
• Hezbollah condemned the US sanctions as intimidation supporting Israeli aggression.

What remains unclear

The army’s statement makes clear the official position that its personnel are loyal exclusively to the military institution and the nation, aiming to dispel any notion that US allegations indicate systemic infiltration or divided command within the Lebanese Armed Forces. This message is critical to maintaining order within Lebanon’s highly sensitive security environment, especially amid the broader regional conflicts involving Israel and Hezbollah.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Verification of the precise nature of intelligence allegedly shared by the sanctioned officers with Hezbollah. Confirmation from Lebanese military or government officials regarding the sanctions and investigation findings. Any evidence or statements from UNIFIL or other international monitors relevant to military loyalty or activity in south Lebanon.

Evidence note

This story contains report-led claims. The article keeps those claims attributed and treats them as unconfirmed/hearsay unless independently corroborated.

Original source: Naharnet Lebanon. Open the source.