The Iranian-backed Lebanese Shiite movement "Hezbollah" said today that it continues to fight in southern Lebanon Israeli armed forces, which it said were advancing slowly, "systematically destroying" villages in their path, Agence France-Presse reported, citing a source close to the UN, BTA reported.
"Hezbollah" said in a statement that it had "set up an ambush" of Israeli soldiers trying to advance towards the village of Taybeh, destroying six Israeli "Merkava" tanks.
The Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported that Taybeh, as well as the town of Khiam, where fierce fighting has been taking place for several days, were the targets of airstrikes and heavy artillery fire from Israel.
"Hezbollah" said yesterday that it had repelled an advance by Israeli forces towards Khiam, six kilometers from the border.
This strategic town stands on a hill that allows it to shell parts of southern Lebanon and northern Israel, AFP notes. It became the scene of fierce fighting during the previous war between Israel and "Hezbollah", which ended with a ceasefire in November 2024.
Israeli warplanes launched massive airstrikes in southern Lebanon and the western Bekaa Valley today, the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported, quoted by BTA.
The strikes targeted multiple settlements, including Mashghara, Mifdoun, Hiam, Bint Jbeil, the outskirts of Tyre, as well as areas in the Nabatiya and Marjayoun districts.
Residential and agricultural areas were affected, and according to information, one guided missile did not explode near Tyre. Repeated airstrikes targeted Hiam and Bint Jbeil, accompanied by heavy artillery fire on surrounding towns, including Maroun al-Ras, Shakra and the Wadi al-Sluqi valley. The nighttime bombings caused significant structural damage, particularly on the outskirts of Jezzine.
Military observation balloons (balloons equipped with special cameras that detect heat - ed. note) were also deployed over the Marjayoun area, while continuous shelling hit border areas and key road links.
The escalation has led to continued displacement of the population towards Saida, Beirut and relatively safer areas, following warnings of possible strikes on infrastructure along the Litani River.