Southern Lebanon escalation intensified on Saturday after Hezbollah announced it had targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers near the town of Kfartabnit using two attack drones.
The development coincided with Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling across several areas in southern Lebanon, resulting in one civilian death and a seriously injured Lebanese soldier.
Hezbollah Claims Drone Attack in Kfartabnit
In a statement carried by the Iraqi News Agency, Hezbollah said it had struck Israeli troops at the outskirts of Kfartabnit with two attack drones.
The group described the operation as a response to what it called Israeli violations of the ceasefire, asserting it was acting in defense of Lebanon and its people.
There was no immediate Israeli comment on the claimed strike.
Casualties from Israeli Strikes
Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that a civilian was killed in an Israeli airstrike on the town of Kafr Rumman early Saturday.
Israeli warplanes also targeted Nabatieh al-Fawqa, while artillery shelling hit Khirbet Selm in Bint Jbeil district.
The Lebanese Army confirmed that an Israeli drone struck a soldier near Al-Najda Hospital in Nabatieh without causing injury at first, before targeting him again on the Kafr Rumman–Nabatieh road, leaving him seriously wounded.
Additional shelling was reported in Deir Mimas in Marjayoun district, where two artillery shells struck the courtyard of a residential home, causing significant material damage but no reported casualties.
Israeli air raids also targeted the towns of Siddiqine, Burj Qallawiya, Majdal Zoun, and Al-Kanisa.
Lebanese Army Withdraws from Kfartabnit Position
A Lebanese military source told QNA that the army evacuated its position in Kfartabnit, located about four kilometers from Nabatieh city, following the incursion of Israeli forces into the area.
The source said the withdrawal aimed to protect military personnel, especially as Israeli strikes had targeted Lebanese Army positions and vehicles in the south.
He noted that while the army remains present in Nabatieh governorate, it has withdrawn from villages currently under Israeli control due to continued hostilities and the imbalance of forces.
Ceasefire Under Strain
The renewed clashes come despite a recently announced ceasefire agreement brokered after a fourth round of negotiations in Washington.
However, Israeli operations have continued across southern Lebanon, raising questions about the durability of the truce.
Lebanon’s Ministry of Health reported that the cumulative toll from ongoing Israeli operations has reached 3,711 deaths and 11,483 injuries.
Regional Tensions Persist
The latest developments highlight ongoing volatility in southern Lebanon, where:
– Hezbollah claims drone strikes on Israeli troops.
– Israeli forces continue air and artillery operations.
– Lebanese Army positions have been affected.
– Civilian casualties and infrastructure damage are reported.
The situation remains fragile, with both military actions and diplomatic efforts unfolding simultaneously.
Conclusion:
The southern Lebanon escalation reflects continuing instability despite ceasefire announcements. With drone strikes, air raids, and military withdrawals reported, the region faces renewed uncertainty as stakeholders weigh security concerns against ongoing negotiations.
