On August 19, 2024, Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting Hezbollah arms depots in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Lebanon-based militant group. The Israeli military confirmed the strikes, stating that ‘secondary explosions were identified, indicating the presence of large amounts of weapons in the facilities struck’.The attacks resulted in multiple casualties and injuries. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, at least eight people were injured in the initial toll, including six Lebanese citizens and two Syrian children. In a separate incident, an Israeli strike on a car in southern Lebanon killed Hussein Hussein, identified as a member of Hezbollah’s rocket and artillery unit.In response to the Israeli attacks, Hezbollah carried out drone attacks on Israeli military sites in northern Israel. The Israeli military announced the death of a soldier in the western Galilee region as a result of these attacks. Hezbollah claimed to have launched ‘squadrons of drones’ on at least two Israeli military sites, resulting in deaths and injuries.The violence has intensified fears of a wider regional conflict. Since October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israeli border communities, prompting Israel’s military operation in Gaza, Hezbollah has been exchanging regular fire with Israel in support of its ally Hamas. The cross-border violence has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with reports indicating that 585 people have been killed in Lebanon and 49 in Israel, including both civilians and soldiers.The United Nations humanitarian coordinator in Lebanon, Imran Riza, expressed concern over the escalating situation, stating that ‘nearly 150,000 people continue to live in areas impacted daily by shelling and air strikes’ in Lebanon. The ongoing conflict has raised international concern about the potential for further escalation in the region.
Key points
- Israel launched airstrikes on Hezbollah arms depots in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, resulting in casualties and secondary explosions.
- Hezbollah retaliated with drone attacks on Israeli military sites, killing at least one Israeli soldier.
- The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides and raised fears of a wider regional conflict.
Contradictions👾There are varying reports on the number of casualties and injuries resulting from the Israeli airstrikes, with some sources reporting eight injuries, while others mention deaths.
