Israel launches ground offensive into Lebanon

BEIRUT: Israeli military units commenced a ground offensive in Lebanon in early hours of Tuesday.

The occupying forces claim to be focusing on “Hezbollah targeted” situation along the border.

Read more: Israeli military warns Beirut suburbs to evacuate

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claim that the operation will involve only “targeted strikes” with support from its aerial and artillery units.

The Lebanese invasion follows a withdrawal by the Lebanese army, who moved five kilometers back from the border.

Read more: Hezbollah says it is ready for any Israeli land invasion in Lebanon

The IDF had designated southern Lebanon as a ‘conflict zone’, alerting local residents to evacuate the vicinity. Sirens were activated in border areas as frantic Lebanese citizens fled for cover and safety.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah declared its preparedness to counter the Israeli ground operations.

United States media reports indicate that the Israeli government sanctioned a new military strategy against Hezbollah prior to the commencement of the ground offensive.

Read more: Ground operation against Hezbollah limited, Israel tells US

Israeli special operations forces have reportedly incurred deep into Lebanese territory while artillery bombardments are targeting various locations across the small Middle Eatern  country.

Airstrikes have also been reported in proximity to Beirut International Airport, with several explosions heard in the city late at night.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health confirmed that at least 105 people have lost their lives due to the recent brutal Israeli military action.

Read more: Who is Hezbollah’s deputy leader Sheikh Naim Qassem?

The ongoing conflict led to a widespread displacement of the citizens. Over a million Lebanese were forced to evacuate their homes.

The Israeli military imposed restrictions on movement near the Lebanese border and ‘ordered’ the evacuation of residents from three specific areas in southern Beirut.

As the situation intensifies, Hezbollah is reportedly gearing up for an extended ground confrontation with the occupying Israeli forces.

Read more: Crisis Management Unit established to help Pakistanis in Lebanon

Meanwhile, US officials have suggested the the current deployment of Israeli troops indicates that further ground operations may be on the horizon.