Israel says its military has started ground operations in southern Lebanon, with heavy fighting reported around the town of Khiam. The army said its forces are targeting what it described as key Hezbollah positions in an effort to widen its forward defence zone near the border. Reports Aljazeera.com.
According to Israeli statements, the operation includes attacks on infrastructure and armed fighters. Local media reports cited several air strikes on Khiam on Monday, while other raids hit Yater, Burj Qalawiya, Sultaniya, Chaqra, Qantara and as-Sawana. There were no immediate casualty reports from some of those strikes.
Khiam is seen as one of the most important towns in the area because of its elevated position close to the Israeli border and the Litani River. It also sits on road links connecting different parts of southern Lebanon and routes toward the Bekaa Valley, an area where Hezbollah has strong influence.
The latest escalation has displaced more than 800,000 people, including many women and children, after evacuation orders were issued for parts of southern Lebanon and Beirut. According to the source, Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed at least 850 people so far, including 107 children and 66 women.
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