Israeli airstrikes disrupt a vital bridge into Syria and pound Beirut's southern neighbourhoods
The Israeli military has not disclosed the specific targets of these strikes, and there are no confirmed reports on casualties.
Israel conducted significant airstrikes overnight, targeting suburbs of Beirut and effectively cutting off the main border crossing between Lebanon and Syria, which has become a crucial escape route for those fleeing the ongoing conflict.
The explosions in Beirut's southern suburbs generated large plumes of smoke and shook buildings several kilometers away.
The Israeli military has not disclosed the specific targets of these strikes, and there are no confirmed reports on casualties.
However, Lebanon's National News Agency indicated that over 10 consecutive airstrikes were executed in the area.
In a related development, the Israeli military reported that Hezbollah fired approximately 100 rockets into Israel on Friday, as tensions continue between the two parties.
Furthermore, Israel announced that a previous strike in Beirut killed Mohammed Rashid Skafi, the head of Hezbollah’s communications division, whom they labeled a senior terrorist operative closely connected with high-ranking officials in the group.
The Thursday strike on the Lebanon-Syria border, located about 50 kilometers east of Beirut, resulted in the closure of the road near the busy Masnaa Border Crossing, which Israel claimed was being used by Hezbollah to transport military supplies.
Israeli forces reportedly targeted a tunnel utilized for smuggling weapons from Iran and other allies into Lebanon.
Hezbollah has historically received much of its armament from Iran through Syria, maintaining a presence on both sides of the border and collaborating with Syrian forces in the ongoing conflict.
As tens of thousands flee Lebanon amidst the conflict, they have been crossing into Syria, with Lebanese General Security reporting over 256,000 Syrian citizens and approximately 82,000 Lebanese nationals crossing into Syria from September 23 to September 30.
The situation escalated after Israel issued warnings for residents to evacuate southern Lebanon, coinciding with a ground incursion into the region, which has resulted in clashes with Hezbollah militants.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Beirut for discussions with Lebanese officials, emphasizing that any attack on Iran would provoke a strong retaliation. This visit followed Iran's missile launch targeting Israel, heightening fears of broader conflict.
In Israel, violence has surged across the West Bank since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict, leading to numerous casualties. Recent reports indicate that the number of rockets fired from Gaza into Israel has decreased significantly since the war began.
