BEIRUT: Israeli forces launched a series of strikes in southern Lebanon on Thursday, marking a sharp escalation in tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border and triggering renewed clashes with Hezbollah fighters, according to witnesses and local reports.
Residents reported explosions in multiple areas of southern Lebanon, including near Kfar Tebnit and Ali al-Taher, as Israeli aircraft and artillery targeted locations believed to be linked to Hezbollah.
Witnesses said several Lebanese civilians were killed during the strikes, although officials had not immediately released confirmed casualty figures. Reports also indicated that a number of Israeli soldiers were wounded during the fighting.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show rockets crossing the night sky and military helicopters operating over southern Lebanon. The footage could not be independently verified.
The Israeli military had not immediately issued a detailed statement on the operation, while Hezbollah also had not publicly commented on the reported casualties.
The latest violence represents one of the most significant flare-ups between Israel and Hezbollah in recent weeks and raises concerns over a broader escalation along the frontier.
Security sources said exchanges of fire were reported across several sectors of the border area, with Israeli forces conducting air and ground operations against what they described as militant positions.
Lebanese authorities were assessing the impact of the strikes, while emergency services were deployed to affected areas to assist casualties and evaluate damage.
The renewed hostilities come amid continuing regional tensions and growing international concern over the risk of a wider conflict involving Israel and Iran-backed armed groups across the Middle East.
Further details on casualties and the extent of military operations were not immediately available.