Mass Exodus In Lebanon As 274 Killed In Deadliest Israeli Airstrikes Since 2006, US Moves Troops
At least 274 people were killed and 1,024 wounded Monday as Israel launched its deadliest attack on Lebanon since 2006. The US said it will send in more troops as the situation continues to escalate. "In light of increased tension in the Middle East and out of an abundance of caution, we are sending a small number of additional US military personnel forward to augment our forces that are already in the region. But for operational security reasons, I'm not going to comment on or provide specifics," Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder said. Thousands fled their homes in southern Lebanon as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) initiated "widespread" airstrikes on Hezbollah targets. Some reports quoted the Israeli military as saying that it had hit over 800 targets, with dozens of Israeli fighter jets involved. Hezbollah, in retaliation, hit military targets in Israel's north, striking locations in Haifa and Galilee, reports said. Lebanon has ordered all nurseries and schools to be shut for two days, while Israel is on the verge of declaring a national emergency, some reports have claimed.Israel Carries Out 'Precision Strike' In BeirutMeanwhile, in another targeted strike in Beirut's Dahiye neighbourhood, several were wounded. The attack took place in the Bir al-Abed area.The Israeli military said it is preparing for the next stage of its operation in Lebanon, with chief of the general staff Herzi Halevi stating, "Essentially, we are targeting combat infrastructure that Hezbollah has been building for the past 20 years. This is very significant. We are striking targets and preparing for the next phases."Also Read: Israel Kills Top Hezbollah Commander In Targeted Strike After 140-Rocket Barrage From LebanonAs the assaults intensified, the Iranian foreign ministry issued a stern warning, cautioning Israel of severe repercussions. Calling the Israeli strikes as "insane", Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani warned Tel Aviv of "the dangerous consequences of the Zionists' new adventure".As it launched its largest cross-border escalation in Lebanon since war erupted in Gaza on October 7, Israel warned Lebanese civilians to move away from homes storing Hezbollah weapons. Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported the strikes killed a "civilian" shepherd and wounded several others. Strikes targeted areas in southern Lebanon, including the Beqaa Valley and Tyre. IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned civilians: "Hezbollah is lying to you and sacrificing you. Its missiles and drones are more valuable and important to it than you are."Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant urged public to remain calm, saying, "Ahead of us are days when the public will have to show composure, discipline, and full obedience" to instructions. He added that "the resilience of the home front is the key that allows the IDF to fight, to make achievements, and to harm the enemy".Hezbollah's Weekend AssaultThe IDF's strikes come as tensions along Israel's northern border escalate, with Hezbollah increasing its rocket fire over the weekend. On Sunday, Hezbollah launched 85 rockets into northern Israel in retaliation for the device detonations across Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah communications. The IDF on Monday released footage showing Hezbollah operatives preparing to launch a missile from a civilian home.The missile, identified as a Russian-made DR-3 variant, was said to be packed with 300 kilograms of explosives and capable of striking targets up to 200 kilometers away. IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told Lebanese civilians, "Hezbollah puts you and your families in danger."Meanwhile, Gallant also held discussions with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin regarding the situation.
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