Israeli Strikes Kill Eight in Southern Lebanon

A series of Israeli airstrikes and drone attacks on southern Lebanon included hits on three motorbikes in different border towns and villages on Sunday. Altogether, at least eight people were killed and a number of civilian bystanders wounded.

The first motorbike strike took place in the border town of Naqoura, and Hezbollah confirmed the strike killed one of its members. The victim was not identified, and the strike took place near UN interim forces. Several apparent civilians were wounded.

The second motorbike strike hit the border village of Ayta ash-Shaab, killing two civilians and wounding several others. One of the civilians was identified as Hussein Saleh, a mechanic with no political affiliation who was said to travel to border areas to feed the pets of displaced people who had been forced to leave them behind. Israel claimed it was after Hezbollah targets, but none of those killed seem to have been fighters.

The final motorbike strike was in the border village of Houla, once again targeting a motorbike. Three people were killed and two others were wounded. At present the casualties are unidentified.

Most recently a strike was reported in Yaroun, which killed two additional people, bringing the total to eight. Hezbollah issued a statement that said that four of its fighters were among those slain.

Israel also bombed the outskirts of the towns of Shihin and Majdal Zoun. They further fired artillery shells against Wadi Hamul and Wadi Hassan.

Hezbollah responded by firing rockets at the al-Abbad outpost in northern Israel and other sites. Officials estimated 15 rockets were fired by Hezbollah, and so far, no casualties were reported. Hezbollah made clear they fired as retaliation for the killing in Naqoura and the injury of civilians.