Israeli airstrikes target Southern Lebanon amid tensions with Hezbollah

Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes deep into southern Lebanon on the afternoon of January 2, targeting areas in the Iqlim al-Tuffah region, according to Lebanese official and military sources.

The strikes hit the Al-Bureij area on the northern outskirts of Iqlim al-Tuffah and Jabal al-Rayhan, with two air-to-surface missiles, Lebanon's National News Agency reported. This marks the first Israeli attack on the region since a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was established last November, Caliber.Az reports.

A Lebanese military source, speaking to Xinhua on condition of anonymity, said the strikes included three airstrikes on Jabal al-Rayhan and the municipalities of Jbaa and Jarjouaa. "The planes fired several air-to-ground missiles at a forested area about 20 kilometers from the borderline separating Lebanon and Israel," the source said.

No casualties have been reported so far.

The Israeli military confirmed the strikes, stating that its Air Force targeted medium-range rocket launchers belonging to Hezbollah at a military site in southern Lebanon. The military claimed the launchers posed an imminent threat to Israeli civilians and troops.

The Israeli military warned in its statement it would will continue to target Hezbollah sites in Lebanon if they were perceived as posing any threat to Israel.

By Vugar Khalilov