Israel launches heaviest wave of strikes in south Lebanon since ceasefire
The Israeli escalation came just a day after the US military praised the Lebanese army’s progress in disarming Hezbollah.
BEIRUT/ WASHINGTON — Israel fiercely bombed south Lebanon overnight Thursday into Friday morning in one of its largest attacks in the country since last year’s ceasefire that ended the Israel-Hezbollah war, just as Washington reiterated its support for the Lebanese Armed Forces' efforts in disarming the Iran-backed group.
Dozens of airstrikes were launched across the south, including in the town of Banafoul in Sidon, Ansra and Ali al-Taher hill in Nabatieh, Kaoutariyet el-Siyad village and the Mazraat al-Sinay area in southern Lebanon.
The strikes sparked massive explosions in Mazraat al-Sinay. Videos circulating online showed huge plumes of orange smoke lighting up the sky. The Lebanese Health Ministry said at least seven people were injured in the strikes.
Israeli warplanes also struck the town of Shmistar in eastern Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, killing one person.
