Beirut, June 13: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched airstrikes on multiple locations in southern Lebanon, accusing Hezbollah of violating ceasefire regulations. These attacks occurred shortly after evacuation warnings were issued for 20 towns and villages in the region.
According to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA), Israeli airstrikes targeted several areas in southern Lebanon on Saturday. This action followed a warning urging residents to evacuate, particularly in Nabatieh and surrounding areas, in anticipation of potential military operations.
The NNA reported that the areas included in the evacuation order experienced bombings, notably in the villages of Rihan and Sujud, located near Nabatieh.
Earlier, Avichai Adraee, the IDF’s Arabic spokesperson, urged locals on the social media platform X to vacate the area immediately and head north of the Zahrani River. The Israeli military has accused Hezbollah of breaching the ceasefire, indicating that its military positions could be targeted.
The recent developments have heightened tensions in southern Lebanon, where cross-border attacks and retaliations have been ongoing for an extended period. Local authorities are monitoring the situation, while residents in affected areas are being advised to seek safer locations.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council condemned the killing of a UN peacekeeper in Lebanon. The statement followed an attack on June 4, which resulted in the death of a Serbian peacekeeper from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Reports indicate that the peacekeeper was severely injured when mortar shells struck his deployment site, injuring two other peacekeepers as well.
All 15 members of the Security Council expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families and wished for a swift recovery for the injured.
The Council did not specify who was responsible for the mortar fire but called for an immediate and impartial investigation by the United Nations, urging that those responsible be held accountable without delay.
The statement praised the contributions of all peacekeepers, highlighting their commitment to international peace and security, and specifically acknowledged the contributions of countries involved in UNIFIL.
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