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Tensions Escalate Between Hezbollah and Israeli Army in Southern Lebanon

BEIRUT: The southern Lebanese front saw a significant escalation in hostilities on Sunday as tensions between the Iran-backed Hezbollah and the Israeli army intensified. The situation unfolded with a continuous bombardment, as the Israeli side targeted a new area in southern Lebanon, approximately 20 km away from the border.

Israeli aircraft conducted an airstrike on the outskirts of Jannata town, destroying a house in the raid. Additionally, the Israeli army carried out an airstrike on a house in the town of Tura in the Tyre district. Israeli artillery also fired powerful shells towards the area near the Litani River in Al-Khardali, prompting Lebanese security forces to temporarily close the Khardali road for public safety.

Hezbollah retaliated by targeting a new Israeli army artillery position near the Al-Manara site using artillery shells. The group also launched Katyusha rockets at the air-and-missile defense command headquarters at Kila Barracks and the missile and artillery base in Yoav in response to Israel’s attacks on the Bekaa region.

The military escalation came shortly after Israeli aircraft targeted the town of Al-Safari in the Baalbek district and the outskirts of the village of Janta in the eastern Lebanon mountain range near the Lebanese-Syrian border. Reports indicated that the Israeli attack targeted a Hezbollah training camp in Janta, although some sources claimed it was an empty warehouse.

The situation further escalated with 30 rockets launched from southern Lebanon towards the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, triggering alarm sirens and the activation of the Israeli Iron Dome defense system. Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee confirmed raids on three Hezbollah air defense sites in Baalbek, following the downing of an Israeli drone in Lebanese airspace.

Hezbollah reported downing a sophisticated Hermes 900 spy drone within southern Lebanon’s airspace, forcing all other Israeli spy drones to disappear from the region. The situation remains tense as both sides continue to exchange fire and engage in military actions in the region.