Israel attacks southern suburb of Beirut

Israel attacks southern suburb of Beirut

Israeli military leaders have carried out multiple airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, with large clouds of smoke seen over the Lebanese capital late Thursday evening.

Attacks on terrorist targets

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it targeted “terrorist targets of Hezbollah Air Force Unit (127)” in the southern suburb of Dahieh. According to NNA news, attacks by Israeli drones were also reported, with a "series of warning strikes numbering more than seven" targeting the city's southern suburbs.

Advance warnings from the IDF

The Israeli military had previously warned of an impending strike in the area, reportedly aimed at hitting “underground UAV production facilities” controlled by Hezbollah. IDF Arabic spokesman Avichay Adraee issued an "urgent warning" via social media on Thursday, calling on residents of "Al-Hadath, Haret Hreik and Burj Al-Barajneh" to immediately evacuate buildings marked in red on attached maps and to stay at least "300 meters away."

Massive evacuations and panic

A second “urgent warning” was issued by the Israel Defense Forces via a post on Platform X, accompanied by a satellite image of Lebanon highlighting suspected Hezbollah locations. The warning asked residents to “immediately evacuate and stay at least 500 meters away” from nearby buildings. This announcement led to widespread panic and evacuations, according to NNA. Videos shared on social media showed dozens of cars leaving neighborhoods in the city's south on Thursday evening.

Background of the attacks

Thursday's attacks marked the IDF's fourth bombing raid on Beirut since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was agreed between Israel and the Lebanese militia Hezbollah in November. The airstrikes came as Muslims in Lebanon prepared to celebrate Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice, on Friday. Most Muslims in Lebanon traditionally celebrate the eve of Eid, which fell on Thursday evening Lebanese time.

Reactions to the attacks

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam both condemned the Israeli attacks. Aoun described this as a “blatant violation of an international agreement and the fundamental principles of international and humanitarian law and resolutions” on the eve of an important religious event.

Positioning of Israel

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz posted shortly after the airstrikes on “We will continue to strictly enforce the ceasefire rules without compromise,” Katz added.

Ongoing conflicts

Israeli forces had already attacked the same district, which is considered a Hezbollah stronghold, in late March. A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon was brokered in November 2024, but attacks in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah fighters and facilities continue.

Reported by CNN, Charbel Mallo contributed to this report.