The Israeli military has launched extensive airstrikes in southern Lebanon, targeting areas near Beirut as part of its campaign against the armed group Hezbollah. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the military aims to “destroy” Hezbollah, claiming that recent attacks have significantly impacted the group's operations.
Reports from Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) indicate that airstrikes hit a residential building in the Haret Hreik neighborhood of Beirut, close to a mosque and a hospital. The Israeli military confirmed it targeted what it described as Hezbollah’s intelligence command center and an underground weapons facility. Additionally, the strikes resulted in the deaths of three Hezbollah fighters in other operations.
Video footage shared on social media depicted the destruction caused by the bombings, highlighting the gravity of the situation. As part of its ongoing efforts, Israel has announced plans to target Hezbollah’s financial network, particularly a bank known as al-Qard al-Hassan. Residents living near these sites were urged to evacuate in anticipation of further airstrikes.
During a briefing to troops, Gallant emphasized that the Israeli military was not just defeating Hezbollah but actively dismantling its presence in border villages, which he claimed were used as launch sites for attacks against Israel. However, local residents expressed concern over the sudden evacuation orders, as many had nowhere to go.
The strikes came in response to recent tensions, including accusations from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Hezbollah attempted to assassinate him by targeting his residence in Caesarea, Israel. On the same day, the Lebanese army reported the deaths of three of its soldiers due to an Israeli strike on their vehicle in southern Lebanon.
Local sources indicated that numerous villages have been devastated by Israeli attacks, with reports of homes and mosques being destroyed, particularly in the town of Ramyah in the Bint Jbeil district. NNA reported multiple airstrikes in southern Lebanese towns such as Odaisseh, Markaba, and Rab el-Thalathine, illustrating the intensity of the bombardment. In just 15 minutes, there were 14 strikes on the village of Khiam alone.
The Israeli military claimed to have eliminated over 65 Hezbollah fighters and targeted various militant installations. Despite asserting that its goal is to dismantle Hezbollah's infrastructure, Israel's military actions have prompted mass evacuations and significant displacement in southern Lebanon.
In addition to the strikes, Hezbollah reported launching rocket barrages into northern Israel, with sirens sounding in at least seven towns and cities near the border. The Israeli army stated that approximately 70 missiles were fired from Lebanon, with some intercepted and others causing fires in open areas.
In response to escalating tensions, Hezbollah targeted three Israeli military bases near Haifa, Safed, and Tiberias, and engaged Israeli troops in border areas like Markaba and Odaisseh. The situation remains precarious, with ongoing fears over rocket attacks impacting northern Israeli cities, particularly Haifa, which is strategically important due to its naval base and military infrastructure.
No comments:
Post a Comment