Israel strikes Beirut's suburbs, targeting Hezbollah drone production
The Israeli military struck several sites in Beirut's southern suburbs that it said held underground facilities used by Hezbollah for drone production Thursday, on the eve of the Eid al-Adha holiday.
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The strikes marked the first time in more than a month that Israel had struck on the outskirts of the capital and the fourth time since a US-brokered ceasefire agreement ended the latest war between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah in November.
Israel posted a warning ahead of the strikes on X, announcing that it would hit eight buildings at four locations.
Israel has continued to carry out near-daily strikes in southern and eastern Lebanon since the ceasefire, which Lebanon has said were in violation of the agreement. Israeli officials say the strikes are intended to prevent Hezbollah from regrouping after a war that took out much of its senior leadership and arsenal.
The aftermath of an Israeli strike that targeted the Hadath neighbourhood in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Photo: AFP
The Israeli army said in a statement that Hezbollah was 'working to produce thousands of drones under the guidance and financing of Iranian terrorist groups'.
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Hezbollah 'used drones extensively in its attacks against the State of Israel and is working to expand its drone industry and production in preparation for the next war,' the army statement said.
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