Escalating Conflict: Hezbollah Launches Over 200 Rockets at Israel
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have dramatically escalated, with reports confirming that more than 200 rockets were launched from southern Lebanon towards Israel since early Friday morning. Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, claimed responsibility for targeting a military intelligence headquarters in northern Israel, citing it as a response to recent Israeli attacks on southern Lebanese villages and civilian homes. This operation marked Hezbollah's first acknowledgment of an attack following an Israeli raid that sought to eliminate key military leaders, including Ibrahim Aqil.
The group stated that its fighters utilized Katyusha rockets to strike the Mishar base, which it claims is linked to assassination operations. Following the initial assault, Hezbollah reiterated its commitment to retaliate, launching additional strikes on the same base and targeting air traffic control and operations at the Meron base. Reports from Israeli sources indicate that approximately 20 rockets were detected being launched towards the Upper Galilee region, causing alarm across several northern towns.
Fires Break Out and Injuries Reported Amid Rocket Attacks
Amid the ongoing conflict, Israeli media reported explosions in the Upper Galilee and near Safed, with sirens sounding in multiple towns, including Kiryat Shmona and Zar'it. The Israeli ambulance service heightened its alert status, indicating the seriousness of the situation. Fires broke out in Safed and the Golan Heights due to the rocket fire, with an Israeli settler reportedly injured by shrapnel from a missile. Firefighting teams, supported by aerial resources, are currently battling blazes across northern Israel as a result of the attacks.
In retaliation, Israeli aircraft conducted airstrikes on southern Beirut, targeting Hezbollah positions and further intensifying the conflict. This surge in violence comes on the heels of a devastating explosion of communication devices in Lebanon, which resulted in the deaths of 37 individuals and injuries to thousands. The ongoing exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Lebanese factions, particularly Hezbollah, have resulted in significant casualties, predominantly on the Lebanese side, as the conflict continues to unfold amidst the broader backdrop of violence in Gaza.
