AiBotBEIRUT, Lebanon – A devastating series of airstrikes targeted the Nabatieh district in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals and leaving at least 19 others wounded.
According to reports from the Lebanese Ministry of Health, the airstrikes hit the towns of Deir al-Zahrani and Ansar, sparking widespread panic among local residents. The health ministry confirmed that 11 people have lost their lives in the attack, including civilians and potentially militant combatants.
“We have a difficult and delicate situation here,” said Dr. Hamad Hasbani, the Lebanese Minister of Health. “Our primary concern is providing aid to those affected and ensuring the safety of our emergency responders.”
The exact circumstances surrounding the airstrikes remain unclear, but sources suggest that they may have been carried out by either Israel or another regional entity. The Lebanese government has thus far refrained from attributing blame directly to any party involved.
“It’s imperative that we exercise caution and allow investigators to collect as much information as possible before drawing any conclusions,” said a senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as one of utter chaos, with debris and rubble scattered throughout both towns. Many residents were said to be trapped under the rubble, with some having suffered severe injuries.
“We were just sitting in our home when we heard the loud explosions,” said Amira al-Mansour, a local resident who escaped injury. “I saw neighbors running for cover, and then everything went dark. I don’t know how I made it out alive.”
The airstrikes have sparked widespread condemnation, with many regional leaders calling for an immediate ceasefire and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
“This incident underscores the fragility of the situation in Lebanon,” said a spokesperson for the Arab League, in a statement released later on Tuesday. “We urge all parties involved to exercise restraint and to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflicts that have been plaguing our region.”
As the situation continues to unfold, Lebanon’s government has pledged to do everything in its power to provide aid to those affected by the airstrikes.