Official statements from the Israeli Defense Forces or verified news reports from major news agencies

IDF Launches Airstrikes on Hezbollah Targets in Southern Lebanon Amid Escalating Tensions, Killing Commander

Jun 17, 2024, 03:14 AM

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have launched a series of airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon following an escalation in cross-border attacks. The strikes targeted multiple locations, including weapons storage facilities in Ramyeh, military structures in Houla, and terror infrastructure in Aitaroun. Additionally, the IDF targeted buildings used by Hezbollah in Yaroun, Shaqra, Taybeh, Mhaibib, and Kafr Kila. The escalation follows Hezbollah's revenge attacks for a commander killed by Israel, which included launching projectiles and drones towards northern Israel. The IDF also intercepted several suspicious aerial targets from Lebanon, including a suicide drone near Acre. The Israeli military has warned that Hezbollah's increasing aggression, which has included firing over 5,000 missiles since October 7, could trigger serious escalation in the region. Hezbollah commander Muhammad Ahmed Ayoub was killed in a UAV strike on a vehicle in Sela.