Israel intensifies strikes against Hezbollah: senior leaders killed and evacuation orders issued

The Israeli military announced the deaths of senior leaders in Hezbollah’s liaison unit during a series of airstrikes targeting sites in Beirut, as part of the escalation of military operations within Lebanese territory.

The army stated that the strikes carried out last night hit dozens of Hezbollah infrastructures, resulting in the deaths of Ayoub Hussein Yaacoub and Yasser Mohamed Mubarak, both senior leaders in the liaison unit, noting that Mubarak also held a position in the organization’s missile unit.

According to Israeli data, Yaacoub had previously held leadership positions in the missile unit and contributed to developing its capabilities, in addition to his role in directing rocket launches toward Israel during recent operations.

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Air and naval attacks

In the same context, the Israeli military conducted simultaneous air and naval strikes targeting dozens of sites in various areas of southern Lebanon, aiming to support forces operating on the ground and reduce Hezbollah’s military capabilities in the region.

The strikes targeted weapons depots, missile launch platforms, military buildings, and other infrastructures used for military purposes, reflecting an expansion of operations to include multiple targets deep within Lebanese territory.

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Drone interceptions and evacuation orders

Meanwhile, the Israeli military announced the downing of four drones that breached northern airspace during the morning hours, with three intercepted, while the fourth fell in the Yokneam area after a chase, with no casualties reported.

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee also issued an urgent warning to residents of several villages in southern Lebanon, urging them to evacuate their homes and head north of the Zahrani River, noting that military operations will continue in these areas.

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He explained that these warnings come in response to what he described as Hezbollah activities, emphasizing that the army does not target civilians but will continue its operations against Hezbollah sites in the designated areas.

This escalation comes as the Lebanese front experiences increasing tension, with ongoing reciprocal strikes and an expansion of military operations, amid fears of a slide toward a broader regional conflict.

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