Israeli airstrikes hit southern Lebanon
Shafaq News/ On Friday, Israeli fighter jets conducted a wave of airstrikes across southern Lebanon's Iqlim al-Tuffah region.
Local sources confirmed at least ten raids targeting highland terrain and agricultural outskirts, spanning areas from al-Rihan Heights and Wadi Bargouz to the Litani River corridor.
The Israeli military spokesman later claimed that the strikes targeted Hezbollah positions and missile launchers.
#عاجل 🔸جيش الدفاع يهاجم مواقع عسكرية ومنصات إطلاق صواريخ تابعة لحزب الله الإرهابي في جنوب لبنان🔸أغارت طائرات سلاح الجو قبل قليل على مواقع عسكرية تابعة لحزب الله الإرهابي، احتوت على منصات لإطلاق القذائف الصاروخية والصواريخ بالإضافة إلى مستودعات أسلحة في منطقة جنوب لبنان.…
— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) June 20, 2025
Earlier, commenting on Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem's statement, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz remarked, 'Their threats are becoming intolerable ... My patience is wearing thin.'
Despite the announcement of a ceasefire agreement on November 26, tensions remain elevated along the Lebanese-Israeli frontier, with Lebanese authorities reporting that Israel has carried out nearly 3,000 violations of the ceasefire since it took effect.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
Trump gives Iran two-week ultimatum
Shafaq News/ On Friday, US President Donald Trump announced that Iran has been given a two-week deadline to 'come to its senses,' warning of escalating consequences. Speaking at a media briefing at the White House, Trump described Iran's position as increasingly precarious, citing the impact of the ongoing conflict. 'Iran is in a tough spot and suffering greatly under the current escalation with Israel,' he remarked, warning that the standoff shows no signs of nearing a resolution. He also praised Israel's military performance, characterizing Israeli forces as 'doing very well,' stressing that expecting Israel to halt its aerial operations inside Iranian territory remains unrealistic given the current dynamics. On the question of de-escalation, Trump voiced conditional openness to a ceasefire. 'I might support a ceasefire depending on how the situation evolves,' he stated. 'But right now, I don't see a clear path to ending the fighting.' He also alleged that Iran was only 'weeks away' from obtaining a nuclear weapon—an outcome he insisted would not have materialized during his presidency. Trump's remarks come amid growing regional backlash over Israel's Operation Rising Lion, a sweeping campaign of strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities. The operation resulted in the deaths of several senior commanders from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as well as prominent nuclear scientists, drawing broad condemnation across the region. In retaliation, Iran launched True Promise 3, which has so far consisted of 17 waves of drone and missile attacks in what Tehran described as the largest direct strike on Israeli territory to date.
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
US Embassy warning sparks fears of major security shift in Iraq
Shafaq News/ A senior Iraqi lawmaker warned on Friday that a potential closure of the US Embassy in Baghdad could be a 'precursor to an unprecedented security event' in Iraq or the wider region. Mohammed al-Shammari, a member of the Iraqi Parliament's Security and Defense Committee, told Shafaq News that 'the possible shutdown of the American Embassy is a serious indicator that the United States and Israel may be preparing for a dangerous operation, warranting the evacuation of diplomatic personnel.' 'This is an early warning signal that demands urgent political and security preparedness inside Iraq,' al-Shammari added. He pointed to Iraq's limited sovereignty, particularly in defense and financial matters, blaming US control over Iraqi oil revenues for hampering military development. 'If Iraq held its financial sovereignty, weapons, salaries, and pensions would be fully national,' he said, noting that the US Federal Reserve can block arms deals that don't align with Washington's preferences. Al-Shammari stressed that sovereignty is not merely territorial, but also financial, warning that the Iraqi military's weaknesses are rooted in dependence on foreign-controlled funds. Regarding the future of US forces in Iraq, he confirmed there is a binding agreement for full withdrawal by 2026, with a mutually agreed timeline currently in place. Earlier on Friday, the US Embassy in Baghdad issued a statement denying any operational changes at its Baghdad embassy or the consulate in Erbil. 'The United States remains firmly committed to advancing its policy priorities in Iraq, supporting Iraqi sovereignty, and engaging with Iraqi leaders and citizens,' the statement said. However, the embassy had issued a security alert last week warning American citizens of increased risks of violence or attacks on US interests. It advised Americans in Iraq to avoid crowded areas and locations frequented by foreigners. The State Department continues to classify Iraq as a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' destination. Last Sunday, Iraq's Kataib Hezbollah threatened to strike US bases and interests in the region if Washington intervenes militarily in the ongoing war between Iran and Israel.
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
Shipping Giant Suspends Israel's Haifa Port service
Shafaq News/ On Friday, Danish shipping company Maersk announced the suspension of all vessel calls to Israel's Haifa port, citing security concerns tied to the intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran. In a statement, the company, considered the world's second-largest container shipping operator, explained that potential risks to crew safety and vessel operations at Israeli ports prompted the move. Meanwhile, Maersk added that no further disruptions are expected across its regional routes, confirming that vessels will continue docking at Ashdod, a southern Israeli port. The suspension follows Israel's Operation Rising Lion, a series of strikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites that resulted in the deaths of several senior IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran retaliated with True Promise 3, described as its largest direct assault on Israeli territory, involving so far 17 waves of missile and drone attacks. Official reports count at least 224 fatalities in Iran and 25 in Israel since the conflict began.
