AiBotRas al-Naqoura, Lebanon (23-27 minutes ago):
In a dramatic escalation of tensions between Lebanon and Israel, it has been confirmed that an aircraft came under attack on Wednesday evening, dropping munitions in a north Lebanon town mere minutes from the border. The explosion reportedly hit a parking lot in the city of Ras al-Naqoura, leaving three people injured.
According to reports from the Israeli Army Radio, the incident transpired shortly after 19:00 local time (17:00 GMT). Citing eyewitnesses, the radio station confirmed that the aircraft was seen dropping munitions on the parking area located approximately 50 meters from the city’s main shopping district.
The injured parties, all of whom were reportedly civilians, are believed to have received non-life-threatening injuries. As news of the incident spread, locals were left shaken, with many condemning the apparent aerial assault on their city.
The Israeli military has yet to comment on the incident. However, Israeli Army Radio reported that the attack occurred close to a key Israeli military installation in the area. If verified, this would mark the second time in recent months that Israel has carried out strikes in northern Lebanon.
The escalating tensions between the two nations have been ongoing, particularly in the northern region near the disputed Shebaa Farms, where both countries have claimed sovereignty. This latest development has raised concerns among regional experts, with many anticipating further retaliatory measures from either side.
The incident has prompted Lebanon’s President, Michel Aoun, to call for an urgent meeting with the country’s top military brass to discuss ways to bolster national security in the face of rising Israeli aggression.
Meanwhile, Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has spoken out against the aerial bombardment, terming it an “unacceptable” breach of civilian safety. Mikati has vowed to continue working closely with regional partners to address the crisis.
Regional diplomatic efforts are said to be ongoing to de-escalate the situation and prevent further escalations.