A Sri Lankan migrant worker was reportedly killed in an Israeli military strike in southern Lebanon after choosing to remain in a conflict-affected area to care for abandoned stray dogs and cats.
However, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Lebanon has yet to officially confirm the nationality of the deceased, the EconomyNext reported.
The victim, identified as Rahma, was reportedly recognised as Sri Lankan by her neighbours, who said she had lived and worked in Lebanon for the past 25 years. Embassy sources noted that no Sri Lankan contacts had so far been found on her mobile phone, complicating efforts to verify her identity.
According to reports by Al Jazeera and local media outlets, Rahma had refused to evacuate the area despite ongoing hostilities, choosing instead to remain behind to look after stray animals abandoned during the conflict.
The strike occurred in the Nabatieh area of southern Lebanon, where military operations have continued despite a ceasefire agreement. Reports indicated that the latest attacks caused extensive damage and resulted in multiple civilian casualties.
Rahma’s body is currently being held at a hospital in Nabatieh, a city located near Habbouch, where the attack took place.
Embassy sources said Sri Lankan officials, together with a humanitarian organisation, were attempting to obtain permission from Lebanese authorities and defence forces to access the area and verify the identity of the deceased.
Official confirmation from Sri Lankan authorities regarding the victim’s nationality and circumstances surrounding her death remains pending.
