Israel Shells Southern Lebanon, Troops Advance Near Border Towns
Two people were injured Friday by Israeli artillery shelling that targeted the Shaqra area in the Bint Jbeil district of southern Lebanon. Simultaneously, Israeli army vehicles advanced towards the outskirts of the border towns of Dear Mimas and Hadaath. The Lebanese National News Agency reported that the shelling in Shaqra led to the injuries, with the victims taken to Tibnin Public Hospital. Artillery shells also fell in the Nahla valley near Shaqra.
In Dear Mimas, Israeli forces advanced toward the town's outskirts, reaching a junction near a newly established Lebanese army post. They later withdrew from that position and returned to their base at Tel al-Nahas. During their advance, Israeli troops searched several homes and deployed six sound grenades near the internal entrance of Dear Mimas, while the Lebanese army reinforced its presence around the town. The Lebanese army maintained a presence on the main road in Burj al-Malook, monitoring the situation.
Israeli vehicles also advanced from the town of Tiri towards the outskirts of Hadaath, near Haris, in the Bint Jbeil district. Earlier on Friday, shelling resumed on the towns of Mansouri and Majdal Zoun, following intense overnight bombardment that was heard as far as the city of Tyre. Wadi al-Aziya was also shelled Friday morning.
Israeli warplanes were observed flying at medium altitudes over the Jerud Hermel and Akkar regions. Overnight, the Israeli military dropped illumination flares over Hadaath and Aita al-Jabal in the Bint Jbeil district, amidst ongoing military activity and shelling across southern Lebanon.
This escalation follows a US-brokered "Framework Formula" agreement signed by Beirut and Tel Aviv on June 26, stipulating a gradual Israeli withdrawal and the deployment of the Lebanese army in vacated areas. Despite the agreement, Israel continues its attacks on southern Lebanon and maintains occupation of some areas.
Separately, the Lebanese Ministry of Health reported on Thursday that Israeli attacks since March 2 have resulted in 4,386 deaths and 12,407 injuries. The total casualty count since October 8, 2023, stands at 8,953 killed and 30,643 wounded.
