In a continuation of escalating tensions in the region, Israeli air strikes near the eastern Lebanese city of Baalbek resulted in the death of one person and injuries to several others, according to security sources.
The strikes, which targeted a former Hezbollah building near Dar Al Amal Hospital and a warehouse west of Baalbek, have intensified concerns of a widening conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The Baalbek-Hermel region governor, Bachir Khodr, confirmed the casualty, stating that a man was killed in the strikes near Baalbek.
Reports from Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA) indicated that Israeli air strikes also hit a residential building in the town of Ansar, south of Baalbek. Witnesses observed fire and plumes of smoke rising from the targeted locations, underscoring the severity of the attacks.
Baalbek, situated in the Bekaa valley, holds strategic significance as a stronghold for Hezbollah and borders Syria. This recent strike marks the second instance of Israeli military action in the region since the outbreak of cross-border hostilities following the Gaza war.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has reiterated Israel’s commitment to addressing threats posed by Hezbollah, emphasizing the goal of pushing the group out of southern Lebanon through force or diplomacy. The ongoing conflict has seen numerous casualties on both sides, with at least 316 people, predominantly Hezbollah fighters, and 53 civilians killed in Lebanon since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October. Meanwhile, Israel has reported at least 10 soldiers and seven civilians killed.
Sources By Agencies
