In a war zone where the line between observer and target has all but disappeared, pursuing a story becomes an act of calculated risk. Interviewing a Hezbollah commander in southern Lebanon amid an active conflict, under the constant threat of Israeli drone surveillance and targeted strikes, is not just difficult; it is potentially life-threatening.
Access has always been the hardest currency in conflict reporting. But since the escalation in early March, the risks have multiplied. The Israeli military has intensified its targeting of individuals linked to Hezbollah, and reports of journalists being caught in strikes have added a chilling layer of danger. In such an environment, even approaching a source can feel like stepping into a kill zone.
This assignment felt very different from previous ones. Communication channels could not be used at all. There were no phone calls, no messages, no digital trace. Everything depended on human intermediaries. A Hezbollah overground worker became the only link between me and the commander.
The process was slow and tense. After days of waiting, a message finally came: be ready, follow instructions, and do not deviate. My driver and I were told to follow a motorbike without asking questions. The route was deliberately indirect, likely to avoid surveillance.
As we neared the location, a car pulled up. Inside was Hassan, a Hezbollah commander operating under constant threat. Before speaking, he checked my credentials and verified my media affiliation on his phone. Trust here was not assumed; it had to be earned in that moment.
The setting made the risk even clearer. We stood in an open field with no cover, completely exposed. There was just the camera, the conversation, and the constant fear of a drone overhead. At any moment, the situation could have turned.
There was also a language barrier. I relied on a local translator, which added another layer of complexity. Despite that, the interview moved forward, with questions and answers exchanged under intense pressure.
What makes such assignments dangerous is not just the visible threat, but the unpredictability. There are no safety guarantees, no secure zones. Both the commander and I were exposed, and any misstep could have had serious consequences.
The interview was completed. But it serves as a stark reminder that in conflict zones like southern Lebanon, journalism is no longer just about telling stories. It is about staying alive.
– Ends
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