Israeli Forces Deploy Phosphorus Bombs and Conduct Airstrikes in Southern Lebanon

BEIRUT: Israeli forces launched an aggressive military operation in southern Lebanon on Saturday, deploying phosphorus bombs on Nabatiyeh villages and conducting airstrikes in Tyre, resulting in widespread fires, as reported by local media.

According to Anadolu Agency, the escalation included airstrikes targeting the Jezzine district in the South Governorate, specifically around the villages of Al-Ayshiyeh, Sajd, and Jermak. One significant strike in the Qatrani area caused power outages across several towns and ignited a fire in the forested region of Joura Khadr.

In the Nabatiyeh Governorate’s Marjayoun area, an Israeli airstrike hit near Adaisseh and the outskirts of Taybeh. Meanwhile, in Hasbaya, artillery shelling with phosphorus munitions targeted areas around Halta and Wadi Khansa, with an additional airstrike impacting Eastern Zoutr in Nabatiyeh.

The Lebanese National News Agency reported intense artillery shelling in Tyre, particularly between the villages of Majdal Zoun and Shamaa, which led to f
urther fires. Israeli forces also targeted a bulldozer working to clear a road in Rashknaniya, though no injuries were reported.

The military actions come amidst Israel’s extensive air campaign in Lebanon, initiated last month, claiming to target Hezbollah. This marks an escalation of the year-long cross-border conflict, which intensified with Israel’s incursion into southern Lebanon on October 1. Over the past year, Israel’s offensive on Gaza has resulted in nearly 43,000 deaths and over 100,000 injuries, according to official figures.