Three Lebanese soldiers were killed on Sunday when an Israeli strike targeted their military vehicle in southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Army.
The incident comes as Israel continues to intensify its airstrikes across various regions of Lebanon over the past month.
The attack occurred on the road between Ain Ebel and Hanin, located in the southern part of Lebanon, an area that has been a flashpoint for clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants.
The deaths of these three soldiers bring the total number of Lebanese military personnel killed since September 23 to eight, highlighting the growing risks faced by Lebanese armed forces amidst ongoing hostilities.
The latest escalation in the region began in late September 2023, when Israel significantly increased its military operations in Lebanon.
The Israeli military has primarily focused on targeting Hezbollah strongholds, particularly in southern Lebanon, as well as in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
This military campaign coincides with Israel’s broader offensive against Hamas in Gaza, which started after the conflict between the two intensified.
Israel’s actions in Lebanon are primarily aimed at curbing Hezbollah’s military capabilities, as the group, backed by Iran, has long been considered a significant threat to Israel’s northern border. Hezbollah has a strong presence in southern Lebanon, where it operates as both a political and militant organization.
The Israeli government has expressed concerns about Hezbollah’s growing arsenal of missiles and its ability to strike deep into Israeli territory.
In response to Israeli airstrikes, Hezbollah has launched rocket attacks on northern Israeli areas, further raising fears of a broader regional war.
While Israel has mainly targeted Hezbollah positions, the recent deaths of Lebanese soldiers have added another layer of complexity to the conflict, as the Lebanese Army generally attempts to maintain neutrality and stability within the country.
