The Biden administration has imposed new sanctions on a Lebanese network accused of smuggling oil and gas to fund Hezbollah, as tensions continue to rise in the region.
The sanctions, announced on Thursday, target three individuals, five companies, and two vessels involved in financing the militant group.
The sanctions are part of ongoing efforts by the US to disrupt the group’s financial networks, which play a crucial role in supporting its military operations.
In response to Hezbollah’s continued rocket and drone attacks, Israeli warplanes launched over 15 airstrikes on several towns in southern Lebanon.
The targeted areas included Naqoura, the outskirts of Alma Shaab, and the region between Yahmor Al-Shaqif and Zotar Al-Sharqiya. Forested and agricultural areas near Zebqin, Shaiteya, and Al-Qlaileh, as well as the outskirts of Aita Shaab, were also hit by the strikes.
Israeli airstrikes in the southern town of Al-Bayada resulted in two fatalities when a motorcycle was targeted.
Another attack, involving an Israeli drone strike in Meiss Al-Jabal, killed one person and injured another. Additionally, Israeli helicopters carried out strikes on a park in Maroun Al-Ras.
The Israeli military reported that its air force had targeted around 30 Hezbollah sites, focusing on rocket launch platforms and infrastructure.
At the same time, Hezbollah fired 60 rockets at Israel, claiming responsibility for attacks on the recently established base of Israel’s 146th Division in the Abirim area.
The Israeli military confirmed that one of its soldiers was seriously injured by an anti-tank missile fired from Lebanon at the settlement of Dan.
Hezbollah also claimed responsibility for multiple rocket strikes, including attacks on the Zbadeen military barracks and the Roiseh Al-Qarn site in Lebanon’s occupied Shebaa Farms.
The group further reported targeting Israeli soldiers in the vicinity of the Raheb and Metula positions, and striking the Zaaoura site in the occupied Golan Heights.
Additionally, Hezbollah said it had deployed drones to attack Israel’s northern command headquarters and the Galilee Division’s reserve base in Ammiad.
