Report | Protest against Israel's killing of journalists Ftouni and Choeib in central Beirut
Fellow journalists and supporters gathered at Martyrs’ Square on Saturday evening to protest Israel's killing of journalists Ali Choeib and Fatima Ftouni, and Ftouni's brother, a videographer, earlier today in a targeted drone strike on their vehicle on a main road in Jezzine, southern Lebanon.
Amongst the chants at the protest were slogans specifically directed against Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, calling him a “Zionist." The attacks sparked an online solidarity campaign in support of the prime minister, notably under the slogan “Against Israel, against Iran, with Nawaf Salam.”
The march proceeded from Martyrs’ Square to Riad Al-Solh Square and included parliamentary, political, partisan, and union figures. The director of al-Mayadeen, Ghassan Bin Jeddo, made a speech, saying: "With hearts full of dignity, sovereignty, and freedom, we honor our martyr, our beloved, and our daughter Fatima Ftouni, the heroic correspondent who broke the occupation’s narrative and carried out one of the most remarkable journalistic achievements in Lebanon and the Arab world. We also honor the brave journalist and correspondent Ali Shoeib from al-Manar, and Muhammad, Fatima’s brother, martyrs of the word."
Read more here.
Lebanese Army announces death of second soldier on Saturday, killed in an Israeli strike near Nabatieh
The Lebanese Army has announced the death of a second soldier, Fadel Abdallah Ayoub, killed earlier today in an Israeli strike targeting the village of Kfar Tibnit (Nabatieh). Born on Feb. 20, 1991 in Kfar Tibnit, Fadel Ayoub was married and the father of two children.
He is the second Lebanese soldier killed by Israel on Saturday, after one of his colleagues, Mohammad Moufid Toufaily, was killed in another strike on Deir Zahrani (Nabatieh).
In total, the army has confirmed the deaths of seven of its soldiers since the start of the Israeli offensive against Lebanon on March 2.
Israel kills at least 10 more people in two further air strikes on southern Lebanon
According to the Health Ministry, two Israeli air strikes on Saturday evening against the villages of Deir Zahrani and Kfar Tibnit killed seven and three people respectively, with a further eight and four injured.
Earlier, the Ministry had reported at the start of the evening that Israel had killed at least 47 people and injured 112 on Saturday.
Since then, an Israeli strike on Haniyeh (Sour) killed seven people and a second strike on Jwayya (also Sour) killed one person, according to our correspondent in the region.
Hezbollah claims responsibility for two new attacks on Israeli outposts
Hezbollah has claimed that at around 10 p.m. this evening it targeted the Israeli outpost at Hanita, near the Lebanese border, with a “squadron of drones,” as well as the town of Nahariya “with a barrage of rockets,” according to a statement released by the party.
Houthis claim 'second military operation' against Israel, conducted 'simultaneously' with operations by Iran and Hezbollah
The Houthis’ military spokesman, Yahya Saree, stated that the Yemeni group had carried out a “second military operation” against Israel earlier in the day using cruise missiles and drones.
In his address, the spokesman said the Houthis had carried out this attack “simultaneously” with operations by Iran and Hezbollah. “Our armed forces carried out the second military operation of the ‘battle of the holy jihad,’ using a barrage of cruise missiles and drones that targeted several Israeli strategic and military targets.”
“This operation took place simultaneously with military operations carried out by our fighting brothers in Iran and by Hezbollah in Lebanon, and it successfully achieved its objectives,” the statement said.
Earlier on Saturday, the Houthis launched their first salvo of ballistic missiles since the start of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran a month ago. The rebels, backed by Iran, said they would continue to carry out military operations in the coming days until Israel “ceases its attacks and aggression.”
Israeli strike on Rihan, injuries reported; Strikes on Nabatieh
Israel carried out an airstrike on a house in Rihan (Jezzine), injuring several people, and two airstrikes on Nabatieh.
Israeli troops reach the southern banks of the Litani River for first time
Israeli troops have reached the banks of the Litani River for the first time since the start of its invasion of southern Lebanon, near the village of Taybeh (Marjayoun), where its troops were ambushed by Hezbollah, according to the latter.
At 8 p.m., Hezbollah announced in a statement that it had targeted, on four occasions at 3 p.m., 3.30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 5.10 p.m., “soldiers and vehicles of the enemy Israeli army with rocket salvos” at the “Litani Project” site in Taybeh, located in the valley where the river flows between the villages of Taybeh and Yohmor al-Shaqif (on the other side of the river, in the district of Nabatieh). This location is approximately 3.5 kms from the nearest point on the southern border.
Israeli troops were simultaneously targeted on the Baydar al-Nahr road, the statement said.
During its previous ground offensive in the autumn of 2024, the Israeli army had reached the Litani River in the final days leading up to the cease-fire of Nov. 27, near Deir Mimas, a village neighboring Taybeh.
Israeli fighter jets break the sound barrier, jets fly low over Beirut and Bekaa Valley
Israeli fighter jets have broken the sound barrier over Beirut and its surroundings, as well as in the Bekaa Valley. Two loud explosions were heard.
Two Iraqi police officers killed in an airstrike in Mosul
A police colonel and a superintendent were killed and five other police officers wounded in an airstrike in Mosul, a major city in northern Iraq, the Interior Ministry announced, condemning the attack in a statement as a “Zionist-American aggression.”
The five injured officers “were targeted during a second strike, whilst they were intervening to rescue their comrades” hit by an initial raid, according to the statement, which indicated that the attack struck an emergency police station “in the heart of Mosul.”
However, this position is shared with forces from the Hashd al-Shaabi, an official from this coalition of former paramilitaries — which is integrated into the state forces but includes pro-Iranian armed groups — told AFP.
US announces arrival of amphibious assault ship in Middle East
The U.S. amphibious assault ship Tripoli has arrived in the Middle East, the U.S. military command for the region (Centcom) announced Saturday, amid widespread speculation about the potential deployment of American troops on Iranian territory.
The Tripoli, which is usually based in Japan, arrived in the region on Friday, Centcom said in a statement on X, noting that this helicopter carrier is leading a naval group that includes "about 3,500" sailors and Marines.]
Read more here.
Hezbollah attacks Israeli positions in Shamaa, Qantara and Taybeh in southern Lebanon, and a base in Haifa
Hezbollah has announced that it has carried out a series of operations in recent hours against Israeli troops stationed in several locations in southern Lebanon.
According to these statements, several rounds of rockets or artillery fire targeted the areas around the villages of Shamaa (Sour), Qantara and Taybeh (Marjayoun), as well as Israeli outposts near the Litani River, notably in the locality of Beidar al-Fuqani, at various times during the afternoon. In the same area, fires were started in several homes in the village of Adsheet al-Qousseir, west of Taybeh.
Hezbollah subsequently claimed to have targeted a recently established Israeli artillery position in Arab al-Louaize (Hasbaya), near the annexed village of Ghajar, with rockets and shells, reporting “direct hits.”
Finally, at 7.30 p.m., Hezbollah announced that it had launched a drone attack on the Nashreem base, south-east of Haifa, in northern Israel.
A family killed in an air strike in Bushehr Province, southern Iran
A security official in Bushehr Province, southern Iran, has stated that an Israeli-U.S. air strike killed four members of the same family near Dashti, according to the official Tasnim news agency.
According to the official, the strike hit a tent where the nomadic family was living, killing the parents and their two children.
Israel: Eleven injured in direct hit by Iranian missile
Eleven people were injured by shrapnel when an Iranian missile struck central Israel, emergency services and the army have announced, one month after the start of the war triggered by an Israeli-U.S. offensive against the Islamic Republic.
An Iranian missile struck a residential area of the village of Eshtaol, near Beit Shemesh, in the afternoon, where nine people, including four minors, had been killed in the early days of the war by a missile fired from Iran.
It was a “direct hit,” the Israeli army told AFP. Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s equivalent of the Red Cross, said that eleven people had been injured “by shrapnel and the shockwave.”
Popular Mobilization Forces condemn ‘Israeli-U.S. attack’ following killing of 3 of its fighters in Iraq
The Hashd al-Shaabi, a coalition of former Iraqi paramilitaries that includes pro-Iranian groups, denounced an “Israeli-U.S. attack” on Saturday following air strikes that killed three fighters in the north of the country.
The Hashd’s “operations headquarters” in Kirkuk was “the target of an Israeli-American attack” that killed three fighters and wounded four others, according to a statement from the coalition, which is part of the Iraqi state forces.
Toll: Israel kills 47 and injures 112 in Lebanon today
The Daily Situation Report issued today the government's Disaster Risk Management Unit reports a total of 47 killed and 112 injured in Lebanon today.
A total of 663 shelter centers have been opened, hosting 136,148 displaced persons from 35,115 families. Since the beginning of the war, Israel has killed 1,189 people and injured 3,427.
Israel says it has struck a naval weapons production complex in Iran
The Israeli military has announced that it has struck the headquarters of an industrial complex in Iran that produces naval weapons, as well as other sites manufacturing, among other things, air defense systems.
Hezbollah continues its attacks on Israeli soldiers and vehicles in Bayada (Sour)
In Bayada (Sour), Hezbollah fighters carried out a series of coordinated attacks:
- At 3 p.m., they targeted a troop carrier using a suicide drone;
- At 3.05 p.m., they struck a radar site with an explosive drone;
- At 3:50 p.m., Israeli soldiers and vehicles were targeted by a barrage of rockets, destroying a Namer-type armoured personnel carrier;
- At 4:05 p.m., they targeted a Merkava tank with a drone and, thirty minutes later, another Merkava tank was hit and seen on fire.
Israel kills people in Aishieh and Kawthariyet al-Rez
Israel continues its deadly strikes on villages in the south, according to reports from our correspondent in the region:
- Air strikes on Nabatieh, notably on the road leading to Marjayoun opposite the Evangelical School, injuring at least two people.
- Drone strike on motorbike in Aishieh, killing two people from the village.
- An air strike on Ainata (Bint Jbeil).
- An air strike on a house in Kawthariyet al-Rez (Saida), killing two people and injuring one.
Israel's killing of journalists and aid workers: Berri condemns 'premeditated war crime'; calls for unity
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has condemned the killing of three journalists and several Lebanese aid workers in Israeli strikes on Saturday in southern Lebanon.
The leader of the Amal Movement paid tribute to the “martyrs of humanitarian duty, committed to defending the country and spreading the truth."
He described these Israeli attacks as a “premeditated war crime,” calling on the international community to act to put an end to them. “I call on the Lebanese people to remain united among themselves: unity, and more unity,” he concluded.
Israel kills 3 people in strikes on Zawtar Sharqieh and Maarakeh; blows up houses in Khiam
Israel continues its deadly strikes on villages in the south, according to reports from our correspondent in the region:
- An air strike targeted Deir Zahrani.
- A drone strike targeted Zawtar Sharqieh, killing two people, and an air strike on Toul (both Nabatieh).
- Artillery shelling on the area around Hebbarieh (Hasbaya).
- Air strike on several houses in Maarakeh (Sour), killing one person, injuring several others, and causing significant material damage.
- Demolitions of several houses in Khiam (Marjayoun).
Protests in Beirut to condemn Israel's killing of journalists in southern Lebanon
Several protests are being held in Beirut to condemn the targeting of journalists in southern Lebanon. A sit-in took place at 5pm, organized by journalists from the South, outside the Information Ministry, coinciding with Minister Paul Morcos’s press conference, whilst another began at 5.30 p.m., organized by the Press Union, in Martyrs’ Square in central Beirut.
During this second sit-in, Mustapha, a photographer for the newspaper al-Modon, who has worked extensively with Ali Choeib, denounced the fact that “Israel had already tried to assassinate him, notably in 2006, and then in 2024, in Hasbaya.” At the time, a strike targeted accommodation housing journalists from several media outlets covering the ongoing war, several of whom were killed. “He was not a member of the al-Radwan Force; he was a seasoned war correspondent with over 35 years’ experience,” stated the photographer, interviewed by our correspondent on the ground, Emmanuel Haddad.
Among the fifty or so people present at the scene, in a sombre atmosphere, Fatima Choucair, a colleague of Fatima Ftouni, remembers her as “someone who was always passionate about fieldwork.” She states that “the assassination of journalists is a pattern for Israel. Her death and that of Ali Choeib are neither a surprise nor an isolated incident.”
Read more here.
Hezbollah targets Israeli soldiers in Bayada and a Merkava tank in Qantara
Hezbollah carried out several attacks on Israeli soldiers deployed in the village of Bayada (Sour):
- At 2.45 p.m., it targeted Israeli soldiers and vehicles with artillery shells. Local media outlets, including al-Jadeed, reported seeing smoke in Bayada, which they said was coming from a burning military vehicle.
- At 3 p.m., Hezbollah fighters attacked an Israeli force occupying a house using an exploding drone. The party claims to have subsequently targeted the teams sent to evacuate the wounded with rockets and artillery shells.
- At 3.25 p.m., Hezbollah targeted a Merkava tank near the reservoir in the village of Qantara (Marjayoun) using a guided missile.
Hezbollah calls for Israel to be prosecuted for ‘crimes against humanity’
Hezbollah has strongly condemned the Israeli strike that killed three Lebanese journalists in Jezzine earlier today, describing the act as a “cowardly and premeditated crime.”
In a statement, Hezbollah’s press office accuses Israel of having “deliberately targeted ” Ali Choeib, a correspondent for al-Manar, as well as Fatima Ftouni and her brother, cameraman Mohammad Ftouni, who worked for al-Mayadeen, “whilst they were carrying out their journalistic and national duty and their noble mission of conveying the truth."
Hezbollah claimed the attack constitutes a “flagrant violation of international law” and a “war crime” aimed at “silencing journalists who bear witness … to Israeli brutality, barbarism and criminality.”
Hezbollah also offered its condolences to the families of the victims and to the entire Lebanese media sector, calling for action against such attacks. It has therefore urged the Lebanese authorities, including the Information Ministry and legal organizations, to document the incident and refer the matter to international bodies in order to bring charges against Israel for crimes “against humanity,” including attacks on journalists.
Israel kills at least 6 people in strikes on Haddatha and Mayfadoun
Israel has killed and injured several people in strikes in ongoing strikes on villages in the south, according to reports from our correspondent in the region.
- Three people killed in a targeted strike on a car in Haddatha (Bint Jbeil).
- Three people killed in a strike on the village of Mayfadoun (Nabatieh).
- Air strike on Kawthariyet al-Rez (Saida), with ambulances rushing to the scene of the attack.
- Intensive artillery shelling and drone and jet strikes on the village of Touline (Nabatieh).
- Air strike on the village of Harouf (Nabatieh).
- Air strike on Shehabieh (Sour) with casualties reported.
Lebanese Army corporal killed in airstrike on Deir Zahrani, Nabatieh
The Lebanese Army has announced the death of Corporal Mohammad Toufaily, killed earlier today in an Israeli airstrike on Deir Zahrani (Nabatieh).
Toufaily was in his late twenties and originally from Deir Zahrani. He was married and the father of one child, according to a brief statement from the army. Several soldiers have been killed in Israeli attacks over the past three weeks, notably on March 17, when three soldiers were killed in two separate drone strikes on the Nabatieh region.
Information and Foreign Affairs Ministry working on joint complaint to UNSC over Israel's killing of journlists Choeib and Ftouni
Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos announced during a press conference that Lebanon would be filing a complaint with the U.N. Security Council following Israel’s deliberate targeting of journalists in southern Lebanon, including its killing earlier today of Ali Choeib, war correspondent for al-Manar.
“We are working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to complete the complaint file and take it wherever necessary, and we have provided it with all the information we have regarding the targeting of journalists,” Information Minister Paul Morcos said in a press conference at the Ministry of Information after the targeting of the two journalists Ali Choeib and Fatima Ftouni.
“This is a moment to remember, to reflect, and to hold firmly to international rulings that protect journalists, we do not want these protections to be undermined.We adhere to international agreements that prioritize positive distinction for journalists, ensuring their protection and neutrality in times of war. We have taken practical steps and will take further ones,” Morcos insisted.
“We reject the normalization of targeting journalists,” Morcos concluded.
Israel kills 51 first responders and healthcare workers since start of war on Lebanon
Israel has killed five healthcare workers and 46 first responders since the escalation of its war on Lebanon on 2 March, the Lebanese Health Minister, Rakan Nasreddine, announced on Saturday.
“The number of martyrs in the health sector stands at 51, including 46 rescue workers and five healthcare workers,” the minister said at a press conference, adding that nine rescue workers were killed by Israel on Saturday alone, which also targeted nine hospitals in southern Lebanon.
According to the ministry, four of the rescue workers killed on Saturday belonged to the Islamic Health Committee, whilst the other five were members of the Islamic Mission Scouts Association (al-Rissala).
All were carrying out rescue missions when they were targeted, according to the minister.
In total, the ministry has recorded 75 attacks on rescue and health services since March 2, Nassereddine said.
Syrian army says it repelled drone attack from Iraq targeting military base
The Syrian army said it had repelled a drone attack launched from Iraq targeting a military base in the south of the country, recently vacated by U.S.-led international coalition forces, according to state media.
Army units “repelled a drone attack targeting the Al-Tanf military base in the south of the country,” the army said, as cited by the state news agency SANA. “The drones were launched from Iraq,” it added.
On Tuesday, the Syrian army said one of its bases in Hasakah province in the northeast, also recently vacated by U.S. troops, had been targeted by missile fire from Iraq. An Iraqi security official blamed a pro-Iran armed faction for the attack.
Lebanese Red Cross says it coordinates with UNIFIL to carry out missions in border areas
The Lebanese Red Cross said in a statement that to respond to calls in border areas of south Lebanon, it informs UNIFIL and waits for safe passage to be secured.
“The Lebanese Red Cross continues to carry out its missions while taking strict protective measures, following the injuries and painful losses suffered by its teams. It remains committed to deploying all efforts and maintaining close coordination with UNIFIL, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Lebanese Army to obtain safe passage in these extremely dangerous conditions, while continuously calling for respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of medical personnel and ambulances,” it added.
Syrian army says it repelled drone attack from Iraq targeting military base
The Syrian army said it had repelled a drone attack launched from Iraq targeting a military base in the south of the country, recently vacated by U.S.-led international coalition forces, according to state media.
Army units “repelled a drone attack targeting the Al-Tanf military base in the south of the country,” the army said, as quoted by the state news agency SANA. “The drones were launched from Iraq,” it added.
On Tuesday, the Syrian army said one of its bases in Hasakah province in the northeast, also recently vacated by U.S. troops, had been targeted by missile fire from Iraq. An Iraqi security official blamed a pro-Iran armed faction for the attack.
Israeli army demolishes homes in Taybeh
The Israeli army blew up houses in the village of Taybeh (Marjayoun district), according to our correspondent in the south.
Israeli artillery fire also targeted Bint Jbeil and the villages of Ainata, Aitaroun, Shaqra, Braachit, Majdel Selm, Rshaf, Yater and Kafra (Bint Jbeil district), as well as Qabrikha (Marjayoun district).
Hezbollah said it targeted an Israeli force that had taken position inside a house in the village of Bayyada (Sour district) at 2:30 p.m.
Residents of Debel urge authorities to ensure their protection after deadly Israeli strike
After the Israeli strike that killed a father and his son in Debel (Bint Jbeil district) earlier in the day, the head of the village municipality, Akl Naddaf, told the LBCI television channel that residents had “asked the authorities to grant them permission to move safely, but without success.”
Naddaf said the situation in the village is deteriorating, with residents no longer able to meet their most basic needs. He added that the municipality had also contacted the apostolic nuncio and the Lebanese army on the matter, without success.
A local source told our publication that following the morning attack, fear has spread among residents, who are now staying in their homes as a precaution.
Update on the situation in south Lebanon
Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes on Zefta (Nabatieh district) and Touline (Marjayoun district). Israeli drones also struck the outskirts of Deir Qanoun al-Nahr and the village of Majdel Zoun (Sour district).
An Israeli drone also targeted a car at the junction of the village of Derdghaya (Sour district).
The villages of Mansouri, Majdel Zoun, Haniyeh, Qleileh (Sour district) and Touline came under Israeli artillery fire.
The fifth person killed in the strike that targeted journalists in Jezzine was identified as Mohammad Hussein Daher. According to our correspondent in the south, he was not a journalist.
Hezbollah said it launched a swarm of drones at communication and surveillance equipment at the Ras al-Naqoura site at 11:40 a.m.
Press editors’ syndicate denounces targeting of journalists in Jezzine
The press editors’ syndicate also condemned in a statement what it described as “a crime … revealing the hostile and destructive nature of the Zionist state toward Lebanon and the Lebanese, particularly media professionals documenting its actions.”
Information Minister denounces 'deliberate war crime' against journalists
Information Minister Paul Morcos denounced a “deliberate and clear war crime against the media,” which, he said, “adds to a growing series of attacks targeting journalists.”
Salam condemns Israeli strike that killed journalists in Jezzine
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the Israeli strike that killed journalists in Jezzine.
“Targeting journalists constitutes a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and a clear breach of the rules that guarantee the protection of journalists in times of war,” Salam said on X.
He added that “Lebanon, which places great importance on media freedom and its role, reaffirms its commitment to protecting journalists and calls for respect for international law, the protection of civilian lives, and an end to Israeli attacks targeting them.”
Lebanese president condemns 'blatant crime' after journalists killed in Jezzine
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned a “blatant crime” following the Israeli strike that killed two journalists and two videographers in Jezzine.
“Once again, the Israeli aggression violates the most basic rules of international law, international humanitarian law and the laws of war, by targeting journalists, who are ultimately civilians carrying out a professional duty,” Aoun said in a statement posted by the Lebanese presidency on X.
“This is a blatant crime that violates all norms and conventions under which journalists are afforded international protection in times of war,” he added.
“While we strongly condemn this attack, we call on all international bodies to act to put an end to what is happening on our territory,” Aoun said.
Israeli fire kills two residents of Debel, Bint Jbeil
Israeli army fire targeting a pickup truck on the main road in the Christian village of Debel (Bint Jbeil district) killed a resident, Georges Soueid, and his son Elie, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Israeli forces have been positioned on the outskirts of the village for several days.
Israeli army says it killed journalist Ali Choeib, whom it describes as a Hezbollah member
Israel acknowledged its targeting and killing of journalist Ali Choeib, one of the longest-serving war correspondents for al-Manar.
The military described him as a “member of Hezbollah’s Radwan Force intelligence unit,” producing no evidence.
He is also accused of using “his media platform to disseminate propaganda in favor of Hezbollah.”
Explosions heard over Jerusalem after alert for Iranian missiles
Two explosions were heard today over Jerusalem, according to AFP journalists, after the Israeli military said it had detected missiles launched from Iran.
They occurred shortly after the army announced it had carried out a series of strikes on the Iranian capital, Tehran.
Oman: Salalah port evacuated after attack, operations suspended, Maersk says
Danish shipping company Maersk said today on its website that the port of Salalah in Oman, hit earlier in the day by a drone attack, had been “immediately” evacuated and that operations would be suspended for 48 hours.
Authorities in the sultanate had said earlier the attack wounded one worker and caused minor damage at the port, one of the country’s main hubs.
The port is operated by a Maersk subsidiary, APM Terminals. It had already been hit since the start of the Middle East conflict and had previously suspended operations.
Israeli strike on car in Jezzine targeted journalists
The Israeli strike on a car in Jezzine targeted journalists.
Ali Choeib, a journalist with al-Manar, his stepson, as well as Fatima Ftouni, a journalist with al-Mayadeen, and her brother, also a videographer, were killed, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Al-Mayadeen confirmed the death of Fatima Ftouni, and al-Manar confirmed the death of Ali Choeib.
Clashes between Hezbollah and Israel ongoing in Bayyada as Israeli strikes cause more casualties in the south
Clashes are ongoing between Hezbollah and Israeli forces in the village of Bayyada (Sour district), according to our correspondent in the south. Fighting can be heard in nearby villages, while smoke from artillery shelling is visible from the center of Bayyada and surrounding areas.
In addition, the northeastern part of the village of Khiam (Marjayoun district) is under Israeli artillery fire. Smoke from shell explosions can at times be seen from the villages of Qlaya and Marjayoun.
Two people were killed in an Israeli airstrike that targeted the village of Kfar Sir (Nabatieh district). After the strike, as an ambulance belonging to Hezbollah’s Islamic Health Committee was transporting the victims, an Israeli drone targeted it between Qaaqaaiyet al-Jisr and Kfar Dajjal (Nabatieh district), wounding two rescuers.
Fire from Israel targeted a pickup truck on the main road in the village of Debel (Bint Jbeil district), wounding a man and his son.
An Israeli airstrike that targeted Deir Zahrani (Nabatieh district) earlier in the day killed one person, identified as Abou Abbas Hussein Moussa.
Israeli warplanes also carried out airstrikes on the villages of Ghandourieh (Bint Jbeil district), Qaaqaaiyet al-Jisr and Deir Zahrani (Nabatieh district).
An alert was issued by the Civil Defense center in Sour calling for the urgent evacuation of the following areas: Rashidiyeh, al-Bass, al-Maachouk and Burj al-Shemali. A similar alert from the Jouaya center called for the evacuation of the village of Wadi Jilo.
Iranian army says it targeted Ukrainian anti-drone systems depot in UAE
Iran’s army said it targeted a depot of Ukrainian anti-drone systems in the United Arab Emirates, according to AFP.
Five killed, including a woman, in Israeli strike on car near Jezzine
The death toll from the Israeli strike that targeted a car near the town of Jezzine has risen to five, including a woman, according to our correspondent in the south.
Pakistan to host regional foreign ministers for talks on Middle East war
The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey will meet Sunday and Monday in Islamabad to discuss the war in the Middle East, the Pakistani government said today.
The ministers, invited by Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, will meet “in Islamabad on March 29 and 30” for “in-depth discussions on a range of issues, including efforts to reduce tensions in the region,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
They are also scheduled to meet Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Israeli strike kills two Lebanese soldiers in Deir Zahrani
An Israeli airstrike that targeted the village of Deir Zahrani (Nabatieh district) about 30 minutes earlier killed two Lebanese army soldiers, according to our correspondent in the south.
Four killed in strike on Jezzine road
Four people were killed in the strike that hit a car on the main road in Jezzine, according to our correspondent in south Lebanon.
No strike on Jnah as Israeli army drops leaflets, causing damage to apartment
The Israeli army dropped leaflets Saturday morning over Jnah, in Beirut’s southern suburbs, causing damage to an apartment in the area.
“Be careful. It is only in this newspaper that you can read the truth. Hezbollah is turning your homes into terrorist hideouts,” one leaflet read, according to a photo taken by our reporter at the scene.
Pezeshkian praises Pakistan’s “diplomatic efforts”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that “trust is necessary to facilitate discussions and possible mediation” in the Middle East conflict, the prime minister’s office said today, according to Reuters.
According to the statement, Pezeshkian “praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts” The two leaders discussed the hostilities and ways to end them during a phone call lasting more than an hour Sharif also briefed Pezeshkian on Pakistan’s diplomatic contacts with the United States and Gulf countries.
Israeli strike hits car on Jezzine main road
An Israeli drone struck a car on the main road in Jezzine, the first such attack there since the start of the war.
Israeli army calls for “immediate” evacuation of several south Lebanon villages
The Israeli army called for the “immediate” evacuation of several villages in the Sour district, including Maachouk, Burj al-Shemali, Rashidiyeh, Deir Kifa, Wadi Jilo and al-Bass, as well as Qaaqaaiyet al-Jisr in the Nabatieh district, in a message posted on X by Israeli army Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee.
“Hezbollah’s activities are forcing the Israeli army to act forcefully in these areas,” the military said.
Residents in the area have been repeatedly urged to evacuate since early March as part of a mass displacement in southern Lebanon.
Missile that struck apartment in Jnah reportedly did not explode
The missile that hit an apartment in Jnah, opposite the Marriott hotel, may not have exploded, according to our photojournalist on the scene.
Israeli strike targets apartment in Jnah
An Israeli strike hit an apartment in Jnah, in Beirut’s southern suburbs, according to the National News Agency.
Iran says it targeted U.S. support vessel near Salalah port
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they targeted a U.S. support vessel at a “considerable distance” from the port of Salalah in southern Oman, according to Reuters.
Earlier, Omani authorities said a worker was injured in a drone attack on the port, located in the southwest of the sultanate.
Iraqi Kurdistan: Loud explosion heard near Erbil airport
A loud explosion was heard today near Erbil International Airport, capital of Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, where U.S.-led coalition advisers are based, an AFP journalist reported.
A plume of smoke was visible near the airport, according to a witness. Coalition troops stationed there are regularly targeted by pro-Iran armed groups using explosive drones, which are usually intercepted and shot down by air defenses.
Latest developments in Lebanon
Latest developments inAn Israeli drone strike targeted a motorcycle in Haddatha (Bint Jbeil district), killing one person, according to our correspondent in the south. The person who had been critically injured in an earlier Israeli airstrike on a motorcycle in the same village later died of their wounds. An Israeli drone also struck Tiri (Bint Jbeil district). Israeli warplanes carried out strikes on the villages of Mansouri, Majdel Selm (Marjayoun district) and Sojod (Jezzine district). Another airstrike targeted Deir Zahrani (Nabatieh district). The villages of Qleileh, Haniyeh, Mansouri (Sour district), Yater, Beit Lif (Bint Jbeil district) and Arnoun (Nabatieh district) came under Israeli artillery fire. Israeli warplanes were flying at low altitude over the city of Saida, and were also heard over Beirut and the Metn area. Four of the five rescuers killed in an earlier Israeli strike on an ambulance in Zaoutar al-Charqiyeh (Nabatieh district) were identified as Hussein Darwish, Adel Qadouh, Ibrahim Zaher Abou Zeid and Hassan Moussa Noureddine. They were members of the al-Rissala Scouts association, affiliated with the Amal movement.
Hezbollah says it repelled RC-12 reconnaissance aircraft over West Bekaa
Hezbollah said it forced a military reconnaissance aircraft of the RC-12 type to retreat at 7:45 a.m. while it was flying over the western Bekaa Valley.
This type of aircraft is mainly used by the U.S. military and, unlike drones, has a crew on board.
Israeli army says it killed two Hezbollah communications unit members in Beirut’s southern suburbs
The Israeli military said it had “eliminated two key members of Hezbollah’s communications unit” in overnight strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs.
In a post on X, Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said Ayoub Hussein Yaacoub, described as a key member of the unit, had previously held a senior role in Hezbollah’s missile unit and played a central part in managing fire and directing launch and bombardment operations against Israel during “Operation Northern Arrows.”
He added that Yaacoub had also worked to strengthen the capabilities of Hezbollah’s missile unit.
Adraee said a second figure, Yasser Mohammad Moubarak, also a key member of the communications unit, was killed in the strikes and likewise held a position within the group’s missile unit.
Houthis claim first missile launch toward Israel since start of regional war
The Houthis said their attack on Israel came “in response to the continued strikes targeting infrastructure in Iran, Lebanon, Iraq and the Palestinian territories,” according to Reuters.
Earlier, the Israeli military reported a missile launch from Yemen toward Israeli territory, the first since the start of the Middle East war on Feb. 28, after the Houthis threatened to join the fighting.
Oman: Worker injured in drone attack on major port
A worker was injured in a drone attack on one of Oman’s main ports, authorities in the Gulf country said today.
Two drones targeted the port of Salalah in the southwest, according to authorities cited by the state news agency, wounding a foreign worker and causing “limited” damage to a port crane.
Hezbollah claims attacks in northern Israel
Hezbollah said it carried out several attacks in northern Israel, alongside ongoing operations against Israeli troops in south Lebanon.
The group said it targeted the Israeli Mishar base, described as the “main intelligence headquarters for the northern region,” located northeast of Safed, and fired rockets at Malkia and Avivim shortly after 5 a.m., following warnings issued to several northern Israeli localities.
It also said it launched a barrage of rockets at an Israeli artillery position in Zawra, in the occupied Syrian Golan.
Hezbollah claims attacks on Israeli army in Taybeh, Qantara and Debel
Hezbollah said it carried out overnight attacks against Israeli forces in the villages of Taybeh and Qantara (Marjayoun district), and Debel (Bint Jbeil), areas several kilometers from the border where fighting has intensified in recent days.
The group said it ambushed Israeli troops in Baydar al-Faqaani in Taybeh, causing “heavy losses among enemy forces” and forcing them to evacuate casualties under heavy fire and smoke cover. It added that Israeli troops advancing toward the Litani River area in Baidar al-Nahr were targeted with rockets, artillery shells and drones. Hezbollah said in a statement around 1:30 a.m. that the clashes were ongoing at the time.
Hezbollah also said it struck two Merkava tanks with missiles near Al-Khazzan in Qantara at 2:30 a.m., and another in Debel with a drone at 7:30 a.m. In Debel, it fired rockets at Israeli soldiers and vehicles at 4 a.m., and targeted troops with a drone at 7 a.m. The group also said it fired rockets at an Israeli deployment at the Wadi al-Ayoun–Rshaf junction in Bint Jbeil district.
At least five killed in Israeli strike on ambulance in Zawtar al-Sharqieh
An Israeli strike targeted an ambulance belonging to the al-Rissala Scouts, affiliated with the Amal movement, in Zawtar al-Sharqieh (Nabatieh), killing at least five people, according to our correspondent.
Israeli strike near Lebbaya in the Bekaa Valley
An Israeli raid targeted the outskirts of Lebbaya, in the western Bekaa Valley, our correspondent Sarah Abdallah reported.
South Lebanon: Two Israeli officers seriously wounded, Israeli media report
An Israeli army officer was seriously wounded and another moderately injured yesterday after an anti-tank missile struck troops during clashes in south Lebanon, the Israeli military said today, according to Israeli media.
Another officer was seriously wounded and six soldiers moderately injured by rocket fire targeting Israeli troops in the area.
Death toll rises from Israeli strike on Islamic Health Committee vehicle in Kfar Tibnit
The toll from an Israeli strike on a vehicle belonging to the Islamic Health Committee has risen, our correspondent reported.
Two people were killed: Mohammad Nassif Zhour, from Yohmor al-Chaqif, and Mohammad Tfayli, from Kfar Tibnit.
Deadly Israeli strikes on Hannieh and a gas station in Deir Zahrani, southern Lebanon
A strike on a gas station in Deir Zahrani killed one person and wounded another, according to our correspondent.
Israeli warplanes carried out a dawn raid on Hannieh (Sour), killing at least five people and wounding more than 10, most of them Syrian nationals.
An Israeli strike targeted a motorcycle in Hadatha (Bint Jbeil), seriously injuring the rider. Another hit the outskirts of Toulin (Marjayoun).
More than 40 Lebanese localities targeted by Israel yesterday
Throughout the day, Israeli warplanes carried out raids on 25 locations in the south, while drones struck six others. 19 localities were shelled by Israeli artillery, including two with phosphorus rounds.
Hezbollah said it carried out 58 attacks, targeting 12 tanks, according to its statements.
Overnight situation update in south Lebanon (Friday–Saturday)
- One person was killed and four wounded in an Israeli drone strike on vehicles belonging to Hezbollah’s Islamic Health Committee in Kfar Tibnit (Nabatieh), our correspondent reported.
- Israeli warplanes struck the heights of Jabal al-Rihan (Jezzine) and Arabsalim (Nabatieh).
- Israeli artillery fire targeted Khiam, the outskirts of Nabatieh, Burj Qalawiyeh, Ghandourieh and Qabrikha.
- At 2 a.m., a heavy raid hit the Zefta–Nmairieh valley (Nabatieh). Artillery also struck near Shebaa (Hasbaya).
- At 4 a.m., a raid targeted Kafra (Bint Jbeil).
- After 5 a.m., an Israeli drone fired two missiles at a house in Adloun (Saida), causing a fire but no casualties. Other strikes hit a building in Harouf (Nabatieh), as well as Toul and Doueir.
- After 6 a.m., a house in Kfar Sir (Nabatieh) was struck.
Thailand says it reached Hormuz Strait deal with Iran
Thailand said Saturday it had reached an agreement with Iran to ensure the “safe” passage of its oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, largely paralyzed since the start of the war.
Fires injure five in UAE after Iranian attacks
Fires in an industrial area of the United Arab Emirates injured five people Saturday after Iranian missile and drone attacks, authorities said.
At least 12 US soldiers wounded in Iranian attack in Saudi Arabia, according to The New York Times
An Iranian attack on a base in Saudi Arabia wounded at least 12 U.S. soldiers, including two seriously, U.S. media reported yesterday.
Israeli military reports missile launch from Yemen, first since start of war
The Israeli military said it had identified a missile launch from Yemen toward Israeli territory, the first since the war began on Feb. 28.
Welcome to our live coverage
Welcome to our live coverage of the war in the Middle East, with a focus on the escalation on the Lebanese front, where fighting continues between Hezbollah and the Israeli army in the south.
We will also report on developments across the region, where exchanges of strikes between Tehran, Washington and Tel Aviv continue to affect the wider Middle East.
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