Israeli airstrike kills newlywed woman in southern Lebanon, wounds others

An Israeli air strike in southern Lebanon killed a newlywed woman and wounded several others, according to Lebanese authorities. The attack occurred in the town of Arab Salim, within the Nabatieh district. Lebanon’s Ministry of Health reported six injuries, including a child, a woman, and two elderly individuals. The woman who died had been married for 48 hours, as stated by the state-run National News Agency (NNA).

Lebanese security sources indicated that at least 10 Israeli strikes were conducted in the broader Nabatieh area. NNA also reported artillery shelling targeting the outskirts of Rashaf in the Bint Jbeil district. The Israeli military claimed it was targeting Hezbollah, citing an overnight attack by the Iran-backed group on its soldiers in the south. The army stated it struck “weapon storage facilities” in retaliation.

Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr reported from Beirut that the Israeli army targeted a residential area in Arab Salim. The military asserts it is hitting infrastructure in response to Hezbollah’s alleged attacks. Khodr noted that the Israeli army has accused Hezbollah of targeting its forces in the Ali al-Taher ridge, a strategic high ground overlooking Nabatieh. This area remains contested, and the Israeli military has been increasing its military pressure in the region.

According to Israel, Iran-backed fighters launched two explosive drones toward Israeli soldiers in the Ali al-Taher ridge. However, there were no casualties reported from the Israeli side. The escalation of strikes in south Lebanon has continued in recent days, following an earlier wave of attacks on August 15 that Lebanon claimed killed 11 people, including several children. Israel described these raids as retaliation for Hezbollah attacks.

Khodr observed that while there has been a reduction in violence in recent days, the Israeli army has also escalated its military operations. She warned of growing concerns that the offensive may broaden and intensify further. Tensions between Israel and Lebanon have been rising since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza in 2023. Lebanon became involved in the conflict on March 2, following the US and Israel’s war on Iran. Hezbollah struck Israel in support of Tehran, leading to massive Israeli air strikes and a ground invasion.

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