Israel has conducted an air strike against what it identified as a “military structure” used by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
The Lebanese health ministry reported that the strike targeted a house in Maifadoun, approximately 30km from the Israeli border, resulting in four death.
Security sources said that the deceased were Hezbollah fighters. In retaliation, Hezbollah launched drone strikes on northern Israel, injuring two people.
This incident occurs amid rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as with Iran, which supports the group.
Last week, an Israeli air strike killed senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in a southern Beirut suburb. Israeli officials described it as an “intelligence-based elimination” because Shukr was allegedly behind a rocket attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights that killed 12 children and teenagers. Hezbollah denies involvement in that attack.
Following Shukr’s death, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran, with Iran blaming Israel. Hezbollah and Iran have pledged retaliation, raising fears of a larger regional conflict.
Several countries, including the US, have advised their citizens to leave Lebanon promptly. Lebanon’s foreign minister is working to prevent a major escalation from Hezbollah’s response to Shukr’s death.
The Maifadoun air strike was carried out by Israeli fighter jets with guidance from intelligence agencies, according to the Israeli Defense Forces. Shin Bet and Aman, Israel’s internal security and military intelligence agencies, assisted in the operation.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched a “swarm” of drones at northern Israel, injuring two people in Mazra’a. A Hezbollah source informed Reuters that this attack was not a direct response to Shukr’s death.
US President Joe Biden convened his senior national security team on Monday due to growing concerns of a retaliatory attack on Israel. Biden reported being briefed on plans to support Israel if needed, while Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that officials were working diligently to prevent further escalation.
UN rights chief Volker Turk urged all parties and influential states to act quickly to de-escalate the increasingly volatile situation.
Additionally, several US military personnel were injured in a rocket attack on the Ain al-Assed base in Iraq, which has been frequently targeted in recent attacks.
NANCY MBAMALU
Source: Reuters
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