An Israeli airstrike on Wednesday targeted the municipal building in Nabatieh, southern Lebanon’s provincial capital, killing Mayor Ahmed Kahil and at least five others, according to two security sources. This attack occurred despite US concerns about escalating casualties and the risk of all-out war in the region, as Israel clashes with Iran-backed Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and Beirut, as well as Palestinian militants Hamas in Gaza.
The Israeli military reported striking multiple Hezbollah targets in Nabatieh, dismantling underground infrastructure. In a coordinated effort, Israeli naval forces also targeted Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon, working alongside ground troops. Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli strikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs, defying US opposition to attacks in Lebanon’s capital, as reported by Reuters witnesses.
They witnessed two blasts and saw smoke rising from two separate neighborhoods, following Israel’s evacuation order that morning, which specifically mentioned one building. In recent weeks, Israel has conducted strikes on Hezbollah’s Beirut strongholds without prior warnings or with selective warnings.
The Israeli military confirmed a targeted strike on Hezbollah’s underground weapons cache in Dahiyeh. “Prior to the strike, numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including advancing warnings to the population in the area,” the Israeli military said.
Over 25% of Lebanon’s Area Under Evacuation Orders
The Israeli military’s evacuation orders now cover over a quarter of Lebanon, the U.N. refugee agency reports, two weeks after Israel launched incursions into southern Lebanon to counter Hezbollah. This development comes as Western nations urge a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as in Gaza, despite the United States’ continued support for Israel, including sending troops and an anti-missile system.
On Tuesday, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed concerns to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration regarding the recent strikes, stating the U.S. opposes the scope and nature of the bombing campaign in Beirut. Miller’s tone marked a shift in Washington’s stance.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/
