Hezbollah Uses Cluster Bombs Against IDF Forces in Lebanon
Hezbollah has reportedly employed cluster bombs against Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in southern Lebanon, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. Security sources confirmed that on October 22, Hezbollah launched a cluster bomb at IDF forces, prompting the IDF to conduct a series of assessments regarding their operational strategies. Cluster munitions are known for their extensive destructive capabilities, affecting larger areas than traditional bombs and are considered illegitimate by numerous international conventions.
The use of cluster bombs by both Hezbollah and Israel has drawn criticism over the years, particularly following the Second Lebanon War when Hezbollah was found to have deployed Chinese-made 122 mm cluster bombs against Israel. These munitions caused civilian casualties long after their deployment, with reports indicating a 20 to 40 percent failure rate in detonation, leading to over 40 civilian deaths and hundreds of injuries in Lebanon.
Israeli Airstrikes Target Hezbollah Financial Institutions
In a related development, the Israeli military executed airstrikes on October 21 targeting a financial institution in Lebanon linked to Hezbollah's funding operations. The Israeli army accused the company, Al-Qard al-Hassan, of financing terrorist activities associated with Hezbollah. The strikes, which reportedly hit multiple locations in southern Beirut and eastern Lebanon, followed warnings for civilians to evacuate the area. This operation is part of a broader Israeli strategy to weaken Hezbollah's financial and military capabilities amid the ongoing conflict.
Intensified Conflict and Casualties on Both Sides
The conflict in the region has intensified, with the IDF reporting significant losses on the Hezbollah side, claiming to have eliminated approximately 1,200 Hezbollah fighters since the beginning of recent ground operations. Despite these claims, the IDF acknowledges that Hezbollah retains the capacity to launch rocket attacks against Israeli forces. Meanwhile, the Lebanese army reported casualties among its troops due to Israeli strikes, further complicating the humanitarian situation in the region. The ongoing conflict has already resulted in over 1,454 deaths in Lebanon and nearly 700,000 people displaced since mid-September.
As the situation develops, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, with Israel continuing its operations against Hamas in Gaza while also addressing threats from Hezbollah in Lebanon.
