Lebanese Army Receives Body of Armenian-Lebanese Soldier Held by Israel Since April

The Lebanese Army has announced the return of the body of Armenian-Lebanese soldier Patrick Antranik Bekarian, months after he was killed in an Israeli strike and his remains were withheld, according to an official military statement.

Bekarian had been missing since April 19, 2026. The Lebanese Army said its investigation determined that he was killed when Israeli forces targeted his military vehicle. His body remained in Israeli custody until July 15, when it was handed over to Lebanon through the International Committee of the Red Cross.

In a statement released Wednesday, the Lebanese Army paid tribute to Bekarian, describing him as a fallen soldier who served with distinction.

Born on Nov. 16, 2002, in Midan Al Sharqi, Zahle, Bekarian joined the Lebanese Army on March 7, 2024. During his service, he received several commendations from the army commander. He was unmarried.

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