Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, has launched drone strikes and guided missiles targeting two military sites in northern Israel, claiming it as retaliation for overnight strikes that allegedly hit “civilian homes” in southern Lebanon, resulting in three fatalities, including two party fighters.
In a statement, the group announced that it conducted a “composite attack using drones and guided missiles” on the military command headquarters in the settlement of Al-Minarah and the positions of Battalion 51, affiliated with the Golan Brigade.
The National News Agency reported the death of a Lebanese citizen, Qasim Asaad, in “Israeli fighter jet raids on Kafr Shuba” overnight from Friday to Saturday.
Earlier on Saturday, Hezbollah issued separate statements confirming the deaths of two of its fighters from the towns of Kfar Kila and Khiam in southern Lebanon.
Tensions between Hezbollah and Israel have escalated in recent months, with sporadic clashes along the border.
The exchange of fire underscores the volatile nature of the region, with both sides engaging in retaliatory actions amidst ongoing political tensions.
Hezbollah’s retaliation marks a significant escalation in the conflict, raising concerns about the potential for further violence and instability in the already volatile Middle East region.
The situation is likely to draw international attention, with calls for restraint and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions between Lebanon and Israel.
However, the entrenched animosity between the two sides suggests that achieving lasting peace remains a daunting challenge.
Israel is intensifying its readiness for a possible full-scale confrontation with Hezbollah, as it is bolstering its military capabilities in the north of the country.