Fresh Israeli airstrikes have struck the southern suburbs of Beirut, triggering panic among residents and forcing hundreds of civilians to flee their homes as fears grow of a wider regional escalation. The attacks targeted areas believed to be strongholds of the militant group Hezbollah, according to regional security sources.
Witnesses reported loud explosions overnight as missiles hit several locations in the densely populated suburb of Dahiyeh, a district on the outskirts of Beirut known for its political and military ties to Hezbollah. Thick smoke was seen rising above residential neighborhoods while emergency responders rushed to the scene to search for survivors and extinguish fires.
Local authorities said multiple buildings were damaged in the strikes, although the full extent of casualties has not yet been confirmed. Hospitals in the area were placed on high alert as ambulances transported injured residents for treatment.
The Israeli military said the airstrikes were part of ongoing operations targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, accusing the group of launching rockets toward northern Israel in recent days. The strikes come amid rising hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which have intensified following broader tensions in the Middle East linked to the confrontation involving Iran and the United States.
Residents described scenes of chaos as families hurriedly packed belongings and fled the area, fearing that further strikes could follow. Many sought shelter in other parts of Beirut or nearby towns as authorities warned that the situation remains volatile.
Lebanese officials have condemned the attacks, calling them a dangerous escalation that threatens civilian lives and regional stability. Meanwhile, international leaders and humanitarian organizations have urged restraint from all sides to prevent the conflict from spiraling into a larger war.
The situation in Lebanon remains tense as diplomatic efforts continue to ease the crisis. Analysts warn that continued strikes and retaliatory attacks could deepen instability across the region, particularly as multiple fronts of conflict remain active.
