Overnight Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple towns in southern Lebanon, resulting in injuries and extensive property damage, Lebanon’s state-run news agency reported.

The strikes reportedly hit areas in the southern districts of Tyre and Bint Jbeil, with towns including Tayr Harfa, As-Sultaniyah, Tibnine, Shaqra, Kounine, and Khirbet Selm coming under heavy bombardment. A building in central Tyre also suffered significant damage, injuring several residents.

In addition to air raids, Israeli reconnaissance and combat drones hovered over the region, deploying illumination rounds along the border with Israel. Israeli forces also engaged in machine gun fire targeting forested areas near the villages of Ramyeh, Aita al-Shaab, and Qouzah in the early hours of Friday. Artillery fire in Alma al-Shaab, Wadi Sulouqi, Majdal Selm, and Bint Jbeil caused severe damage to shops and homes, local sources said.

The air campaign marks an escalation in cross-border hostilities, with Israel claiming the strikes target Hezbollah sites in response to attacks on Israeli territory. The conflict intensified after the onset of the Gaza war in October 2023, prompting Israel to launch a ground offensive into southern Lebanon on October 1.

Lebanese health authorities report that Israeli strikes have killed more than 3,100 people and injured over 13,800 since October. The ongoing assault has significantly impacted civilian infrastructure, further destabilizing the region amid the broader Middle East crisis. (ILKHA)