Israeli occupation forces intensify strikes in Southern Lebanon

BEIRUT, Sept. 17 (YPA) – Israeli occupation forces launched a series of heavy airstrikes, artillery shelling, and heavy-machine-gun fire across southern Lebanon overnight and early Thursday, accompanied by large-scale demolitions of residential buildings and infrastructure across the districts of Tyre, Nabatieh, and Bint Jbeil.

The operations included a major explosion near Bani Hayyan, airstrikes on Al-Mansouri and Majdal Zoun, and artillery and machine-gun bombardment targeting Wadi Al-Hujair, Al-Damashqiyya, and the outskirts of Kfar Tebnit, Douhat Kfar Roummane, Zoutar El Charkiyeh, and the vicinity of Arnoun. Over ten severe detonations were also reported in Al-Mansouri, echoing across Tyre and surrounding areas.

In a key development, the Israeli military detonated Ali Al-Taher Hill using approximately 1,100 tons of explosives, triggering geological concerns. Lebanese Environment Minister Tamara El Zein warned of potential impacts on nearby fault lines, noting that the National Center for Geophysics recorded seismic waves equivalent to a 4.2-magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale.

On the political front, Israeli occupation’s Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated that the framework agreement with the Lebanese government would not suffice to disarm Hezbollah unless the Lebanese Armed Forces significantly boost their operational effectiveness on the ground.

YPA