BAALBEK: Israeli airstrikes near the Hezbollah stronghold of Baalbek resulted in the deaths of two Hezbollah members on Monday, two security sources told AFP.
These strikes, the first in Lebanon’s eastern region since clashes began following the Gaza war, targeted a building housing a Hezbollah civilian institution in a Baalbek suburb and a warehouse owned by the group. The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the casualties to AFP.
The Israeli military stated that it is “currently striking Hezbollah targets deep inside Lebanon.” These strikes represent the first direct attack on Hezbollah outside of southern Lebanon since the conflict began in the aftermath of the Gaza war.
Fire Exchanges Between Hezbollah and Israel
Baalbek, located in the Bekaa Valley, serves as a significant Hezbollah stronghold bordering Syria. Earlier on the same day, Hezbollah claimed to have downed a “large” Israeli drone in southern Lebanon.
Since October 8, Hezbollah and Israel have engaged in near-daily exchanges of fire, primarily along the border, although Israel has occasionally targeted other areas in Lebanon, including Beirut.
In January, an Israeli strike targeted Hamas’s deputy leader, Saleh al-Aruri, and six others in Hezbollah’s stronghold in south Beirut.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that Israeli action against Hezbollah would continue unabated, regardless of any ceasefire or hostage deal in Gaza.
