🔥 Tensions are heating up in the Middle East! On Tuesday, Israeli forces launched intense airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, a stronghold of Hezbollah. This marks one of the heaviest daytime attacks in the area to date. 💥
Massive plumes of smoke billowed over Beirut as around a dozen strikes hit the southern suburbs starting mid-morning. After warning civilians on social media, the Israeli military targeted what they described as Hezbollah facilities in Dahiyeh. They later announced the dismantling of most of the group's weapons and missile sites.
Israel emphasized efforts to minimize civilian harm, accusing Hezbollah of hiding within civilian areas—a claim Hezbollah denies.
Meanwhile, in northern Israel, tragedy struck as two people were killed in Nahariya when a residential building was hit. 😢 Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a drone attack aimed at a military base east of the city.
Residents across northern Israel took shelter as drones targeted the region. One drone even hit the yard of a kindergarten in a Haifa suburb. Thankfully, quick-thinking teachers had rushed the children into a shelter, and no injuries were reported. 🙏
Further strikes in Lebanon had devastating effects. In Mount Lebanon province, Israeli attacks killed eight people in Baalchmay and fifteen in Joun village, according to the Lebanese health ministry. In the south, casualties were reported in Tefahta, Nabatieh, and the coastal city of Tyre. Another person was killed in Hermel in the northeast.
Most residents have fled Beirut's southern suburbs since the bombings began in September. Footage shared online showed missiles demolishing a ten-story building, sending clouds of debris into the sky.
The conflict, ignited by the war in Gaza, has been simmering for nearly a year. Israel ramped up its offensive in September, intensifying airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon.
Israel claims to have significantly weakened Hezbollah, targeting leaders and infrastructure. Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi stated that forces are "operating very strongly" in Lebanon.
According to the Lebanese health ministry, Israeli attacks have killed at least 3,287 people in Lebanon since hostilities erupted a year ago, with the majority in the last seven weeks. Hezbollah's attacks have resulted in deaths of about 100 civilians and soldiers in northern Israel, the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, and southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah announced late Tuesday that its forces have killed over 100 Israeli soldiers since October 1 and claimed to have forced Israeli retreats from several towns in southern Lebanon. They promised more strikes against Israeli military targets. Israel reported that Hezbollah fired 55 projectiles into Israel on Tuesday alone.
🌍 The situation remains tense, and the international community watches closely as events unfold. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
