Today, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a Lebanese shepherd to UNIFIL at the Ras Naqoura crossing. The shepherd had been apprehended on Tuesday, January 12 in the Bastara area near the Blue Line in south Lebanon. UNIFIL in turn handed him over to the Lebanese authorities through the International Committee of the Red Cross.

During this time, UNIFIL's Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major-General Stefano Del Col, was in regular contact with the parties to secure the shepherd's release.

UNIFIL has launched an investigation to establish the circumstances of the incident, including the exact location where he was apprehended.