Israel destroys 200 Hezbollah militants, 140 rocket launchers in weeklong offensive VIDEO

Over the past week, more than 140 rocket launchers were destroyed in southern Lebanon, and approximately 200 Hezbollah militants were killed, according to a statement from the Israeli military's press service.

This includes the reported elimination of the commander of the operational unit and the commander of the anti-tank unit of the Raduan battalion, Caliber.Az reports citing IDF's message on Telegram.

Additionally, the Israeli Air Force launched strikes on the border routes between Syria and Lebanon, which are used to transport weapons and ammunition to Hezbollah. 

The army highlighted that in recent months, the Israeli military has been actively targeting and disrupting weapons shipments from Iran to Hezbollah via Syria. The latest attack on these routes is another blow to "Unit 4400," a Hezbollah unit responsible for transporting military supplies from Iran to Lebanon.

Earlier, unidentified warplanes conducted an airstrike on several neighbourhoods in the Syrian city of al-Qusayr, located in Homs province. A vehicle carrying ammunition on the Shinshar road, a key bridge connecting al-Qusayr to Lebanon, and a checkpoint on the Daba road were hit during the attack. The Def Bridge, crossing the Al-Asi River, is believed to be a vital supply route for Hezbollah's military and logistical operations between al-Qusayr and northern Lebanon.

SANA, a news agency close to the Assad regime, reported that Israeli forces targeted al-Qusayr while the Syrian army's air defence systems engaged what were described as "hostile targets."

The Israeli Air Force also targeted Hezbollah facilities in southern Beirut overnight on Wednesday. According to a statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), based on intelligence, the IAF struck Hezbollah weapons depots and command centres in the Dahiya suburb, which is considered Hezbollah's main stronghold. The IDF emphasized its efforts to minimize civilian harm, including advance warnings to residents prior to the strikes. The military also reaffirmed its ongoing campaign to degrade Hezbollah's military capabilities and its continued operations in Dahiya.

On November 13, the Israeli army suffered one of its heaviest casualties since the start of its ground offensive in southern Lebanon. Six Israeli soldiers were killed in a battle near the border. The total number of Israeli soldiers killed in clashes with Hezbollah since the operation began on September 30 now stands at 47.

The announcement came shortly after Israel's new Defence Minister, Israel Katz, stated there would be no ceasefire or pause in hostilities with Hezbollah until Israeli objectives were fully met. In a social media post on November 12, Katz emphasized, "There will be no ceasefire or respite in Lebanon. We will continue to strike Hezbollah in full force until the goals of the war are achieved." He added that Israel would not agree to any agreement that would prevent it from strengthening counter-terrorism measures and combating terrorism.

Katz also reiterated Israel's primary objectives: the disarmament of Hezbollah, the removal of its forces from areas south of the al-Litani River, and ensuring the safety of northern Israel's residents.

On the same day, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar mentioned some progress on a potential ceasefire in Lebanon. Since late September, Israel has been systematically targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon and Beirut, while also conducting limited ground raids along the border. Hezbollah, in turn, has continued its rocket and drone attacks into Israeli territory on a daily basis.

By Tamilla Hasanova