Israel launched fresh airstrikes on Beirut on Friday, hitting what its military described as militant “infrastructure” in the Lebanese capital, as the conflict spilling over from the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran intensifies across the region.
The strikes came hours after Israel warned residents in seven neighbourhoods of Beirut’s southern suburbs a Hezbollah stronghold to evacuate ahead of expected attacks. Reuters reporters heard three powerful explosions around sunset, even as many Lebanese Christians marked Good Friday under the shadow of war.
Lebanon has been battered by weeks of Israeli bombardment. More than 1,368 people have been killed, and roughly one‑fifth of the population has been displaced. Sources told Reuters that over 400 Hezbollah fighters have died since March 2, while Israel says at least 10 of its soldiers have been killed in southern Lebanon during the same period.
Israel has already invaded southern Lebanon and vowed to occupy territory up to the Litani River, describing the area as a “security zone” to protect its northern communities. Tens of thousands of Lebanese civilians remain in their homes despite evacuation orders covering about 15% of the country, while Lebanese troops have withdrawn to avoid direct confrontation.
Lebanese media reported that Friday’s strikes hit the southern suburbs, though there were no immediate details on casualties or damage. Israel’s military said only that it was “striking terror infrastructure in Beirut.”
As the conflict widens, the United States has issued a warning that Iran may target American universities in Lebanon. The alert follows Iranian threats of retaliation after its own universities were struck in recent attacks. In response, the American University of Beirut shifted classes online earlier this week as a precaution.
The war escalated sharply on Friday when Iran shot down two US military aircraft, the first such incident since hostilities began five weeks ago. The confrontation has spread across the region, with Iranian strikes hitting Israel, U.S. bases and Gulf states, while Hezbollah continues firing into Israel in support of Tehran.
Families fleeing southern Lebanon say they are exhausted by repeated cycles of conflict, with more than one million people now displaced nationwide.
+ There are no comments
Add yours