Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed three people, with military claiming targets were weapons smugglers and Hezbollah members, despite ceasefire
BEIRUT: Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed three people and wounded several others on Saturday, according to Lebanese authorities.
The Lebanese health ministry confirmed the casualties, with Israel announcing one attack targeted arms smugglers from a group affiliated with Hezbollah.
Lebanon’s National News Agency reported two brothers from Shebaa died when their SUV caught fire after being hit on a road on Mount Hermon’s slopes.
The Israeli military confirmed striking near Shebaa, killing two smugglers from the Lebanese Resistance Brigades, a Hezbollah ally.
“The terrorists were involved in smuggling weapons used by Hezbollah and their activities constituted a blatant violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon,” the military stated.
It warned the IDF would “continue to operate in order to remove any threat posed to the State of Israel”.
Another strike on a car in Baraashit village killed one person and wounded four, the health ministry later reported.
Israel claimed the Baraashit strike killed a Hezbollah member involved in “attempts to rehabilitate Hezbollah military infrastructure”.
A separate morning strike on a car near a Bint Jbeil hospital wounded seven people, according to health officials.
The European Union expressed concern over Israel’s continued strikes despite the nearly year-old truce.
“Focus by all parties must be on preserving the ceasefire and the progress achieved so far,” said European Commission foreign affairs spokesman Anouar El Anouni.
Israel argues Lebanon is moving too slowly to disarm Hezbollah and insists on its right to protect its border and citizens.
On Thursday, Israel announced a series of strikes in southern Lebanon in advance and urged civilians to evacuate targeted areas. – AFP
