Beirut, Nov 22: At least 47 people have been killed and 22 others wounded in a series of Israeli airstrikes on the eastern Lebanese Governorate of Baalbek-Hermel, according to the region’s governor, Bachir Khodr. The casualties were reported across various towns and villages, and rescue teams are still working to find missing individuals beneath the rubble of destroyed homes.
Military sources in Lebanon, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that Israel launched 48 airstrikes on southern and eastern Lebanon on Thursday, targeting 18 border towns and villages in southern Lebanon with approximately 100 shells.
In retaliation, Hezbollah issued a statement claiming that its fighters launched a missile attack on central Israel, marking the first-ever strike on the Hatzor airbase, located 150 km from the Lebanese border. The base, which houses squadrons of Israeli warplanes, was targeted with a salvo of advanced missiles. Additionally, Hezbollah fighters reportedly launched missile barrages at Israeli military gatherings in southern Lebanon and northern Israel.
The escalation follows an intensifying conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Since September, Israel has increased airstrikes in Lebanon, with the Israeli military carrying out a ground operation across its northern border into Lebanon in early October.
