IDF operation in South Lebanon kills Armenian Hezbollah fighters

Two Lebanese Armenians, Manuel Babikian and Adam Krikor Hekmian—also known by the nickname “Mano the Armenian”—were killed in southern Lebanon during clashes between Hezbollah and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Babikian previously headed the sixth operational sector in Bourj Hammoud, a densely populated suburb of Beirut. Owing to his senior position within the organization, he had initially been expected to be buried in Hezbollah’s pantheon located in the Dahieh area, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

However, the group’s leadership later revised these plans. Babikian’s body is now being prepared for transfer to Armenia, his country of birth.

By Vafa Guliyeva