Israel Orders First-Ever Evacuation of Baalbek, Launches Airstrikes on Hezbollah Positions

Oct 30, 2024, 10:33 AM

Israel's military, through its Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee, has issued an evacuation warning to residents of Baalbek and the surrounding villages of Ain Bourday and Douris in eastern Lebanon, ahead of expected airstrikes on Hezbollah targets. Baalbek, a Hezbollah stronghold with a population of approximately 80,000 people, is the first Lebanese city to receive such an evacuation order. Adraee stated, 'The IDF will act forcefully against Hezbollah assets inside your city and villages, and does not intend to harm civilians.' Following the warning, residents began fleeing the city, causing traffic congestion. Israeli aircraft have since launched airstrikes on Baalbek and nearby areas, intensifying military operations against Hezbollah positions.