Israeli military launches ground operations in southern Lebanon

Israeli Forces Launch Ground Operations in Southern Lebanon

The Israeli military has launched “limited and targeted ground operations” in southern Lebanon, according to a statement released on Monday. The operation is aimed at enhancing the forward defense area, with the goal of destroying terrorist infrastructure and eliminating terrorists.

According to reports from Al Jazeera Arabic, at least three air strikes struck the city of Khiam, which is considered a stronghold of Hezbollah. The town’s strategic location near the Israeli border and the Litani River gives it a commanding view over northern Israel and nearby Lebanese plains.

The latest conflict began after Hezbollah fired rockets in response to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Despite repeated violations of the 2024 ceasefire, Hezbollah had not attacked Israel since then.

In addition to air strikes on Khiam, Israeli forces also conducted raids on several other locations in southern Lebanon, including Yater, Burj Qalawiya, Sultaniya, Chaqra, Qantara, and as-Sawana. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from these operations.

The Israeli military has confirmed that IDF troops from the 91st division have begun the ground operation, which is part of an effort to establish a forward defense area in southern Lebanon. The goal of this operation is to disrupt Hezbollah’s ability to bring in more weapons and fighters to areas south of the Litani River.

As a result of the conflict, over 800,000 people, including women and children, have been forced to flee their homes due to Israeli evacuation orders issued for many neighborhoods in southern Lebanon, as well as the capital, Beirut.

Source: Al Jazeera