Social media was abuzz with a message reportedly written by Fadel Mhanna, the father of the kidnapped Lebanese captain Imad Mhanna, who was abducted from Batroun, Lebanon. In his Facebook post, Fadel clarified his son’s background and refuted circulating rumors.
Fadel described Imad as a civilian maritime captain attending a course at the Mersati Institute of Maritime Sciences in Batroun, Lebanon. Imad has been part of the maritime industry since 2013, working on civilian ships transporting goods such as livestock and cars. Spending most of his time at sea, he is uninvolved in politics or any political parties.
Contrary to rumors about multiple phone lines and passports, Fadel explained that his son purchases a SIM card in each port of call to stay connected with his family. As for the passports, Imad holds a maritime passport for entry via sea, and a standard passport for air travel.
“Imad is a father of three, supports his parents, and is dedicated to his family,” Fadel wrote, calling on Lebanese officials, the Lebanese Navy, and the German forces responsible for maritime security to be accountable for his son’s safe return. He also urged the International Red Cross and UNIFIL to negotiate with the kidnappers.
Lebanese media reported Saturday that Israeli forces conducted a coastal operation in Batroun, targeting Imad Mhanna. Eyewitnesses confirmed an unidentified armed force descended on a chalet near Batroun’s shore, abducted a Lebanese man, and left swiftly by sea.
Later reports revealed that authorities found around ten foreign SIM cards and a foreign passport in Mhanna’s residence, though Fadel asserts these items were unrelated to any political affiliation.
