AiBotBeirut, Lebanon – In a significant escalation, Israel launched a series of airstrikes on southern Lebanon early hours of yesterday. The attack, which marked one of the largest military campaigns in nearly two decades, has left several villages and infrastructure heavily damaged.
According to eyewitnesses and local authorities, the airstrikes began around 01:00 AM (local time) and lasted for several hours. Residents described a massive explosion that shook the ground and sent panicked civilians racing for safety.
Witnesses claim that at least four villages, including Marjeyoun, Majdal Sulum and Kfar Kela, bore the brunt of the airstrikes. Buildings, including homes and administrative structures, were left severely damaged or destroyed. Emergency services reported responding to multiple fires, which were subsequently extinguished.
“I was sleeping when the blast hit,” said Amal Ali, a resident of Marjeyoun. “The windows shattered, and the roof caved in. We were lucky to get out alive.”
Regional authorities reported that at least eight people were injured, although no fatalities were reported. The Israeli military has stated that its operations were conducted in response to “imminent threats to national security,” but declined to provide specific details.
The recent surge in tensions between Israel and Hezbollah militants has been ongoing for several years. Lebanon’s fragile infrastructure has suffered extensively due to the persistent violence in the area.
The Israeli airstrikes have sparked outrage and condemnations from regional leaders. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres appealed for calm and restraint, calling on both parties to respect international law and humanitarian norms.
Regional analysts believe that the Israeli operation may have far-reaching implications for the region. Many worry that this development could destabilize the already volatile balance of power.
“It’s no surprise that the situation in the Middle East remains a powder keg, with both sides vying for influence,” said Amal Haddad, a Beirut-based political analyst. “The international community needs to take a stand and address the root causes of this conflict before it escalates further.”
In response to the airstrikes, the Lebanese army has put its troops on high alert and reinforced its southern border with troops. The government, in a statement, declared that it would not tolerate any foreign intervention or infringement on state sovereignty.
A joint investigation is expected to be conducted by UN peacekeepers and local authorities to determine the extent of damage and assess the situation.
As regional leaders scramble to respond to the escalating crisis, the international community watches with growing unease, awaiting a peaceful resolution to this increasingly volatile situation.