Culture ministry condemns Israeli flag raised over Doubieh castle
The culture ministry condemned the raising of an Israeli flag over Doubieh fortress in south Lebanon, saying Israeli soldiers had carried out the act.
In a statement posted on Instagram, the ministry said the move, following similar incidents at Shamaa and Beaufort castles, was “a continuing act of aggression” that must be condemned and rejected.
“Jabal Amel is an inseparable part of Lebanon, of which it is proud,” the ministry said, adding that it would work to restore Lebanese sovereignty over the area and ensure international recognition of that sovereignty.
Israeli gunfire wounds Syrian worker in Ibl al-Saqi
A Syrian worker was wounded by Israeli gunfire early Thursday in Ibl al-Saqi (Marjayoun,) according to L’Orient Today’s correspondent in south Lebanon. He was taken to hospital for treatment.
At dawn, the Israeli army also carried out demolitions in Haddatha (Bint Jbeil) and set fire to houses in Qsair (Marjayoun) and Kfar Tibnit (Nabatieh).
Iran says it destroyed several US military assets in Jordan
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Thursday it attacked and destroyed several U.S. military assets in Jordan.
According to a statement broadcast by Iranian state television, the targets included a U.S. THAAD missile defense system radar, a Patriot system, a C-RAM radar, and a hangar housing helicopters.
US uses B-1 bomber in strike on IRGC targets in Iran, Axios reports
The U.S. military used a B-1 long-range bomber to strike targets linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Tuesday, marking the first deployment of the aircraft since fighting with Tehran resumed 12 days ago, Axios reported, citing U.S. officials.
The bomber launched from a U.K. airbase as part of an expanded U.S. campaign targeting Iranian military infrastructure. The U.S. Central Command said its forces struck military operations centers, maritime capabilities, aircraft hangars, drone storage sites and logistics facilities, but did not confirm the B-1’s involvement.
According to Axios, the use of the bomber, which can carry a large payload of weapons, signals an escalation in U.S. operations. Despite the strikes, Iran has continued threatening shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and attacking U.S. positions in the region, while Houthi attacks on Saudi-linked vessels have raised concerns over a widening conflict.
Qatari mediators are continuing talks with U.S., Iranian and Omani officials to try to restore maritime security and halt the fighting, though Tehran has not accepted the latest proposal, Axios reported.
Iran says it targeted US bases in Kuwait
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it attacked U.S. forces stationed at Kuwait’s al-Adairi camp and Ali Al Salem Air Base, Iranian state media reported Thursday.
The reports also cited Iran’s military as saying it targeted other U.S. bases in Kuwait, including Camp Arifjan and Camp Doha. The claims come as Tehran continues strikes against regional countries hosting U.S. forces in response to ongoing American attacks on Iranian territory.
Kuwait’s military said early Thursday it was intercepting “hostile drones” after several days of Iranian strikes targeting the Gulf state. The army said any explosions heard were caused by air defense systems intercepting incoming threats.
Israeli army continues operations in south Lebanon
The Israeli army carried out further operations in south Lebanon overnight and into Thursday morning, according to L’Orient Today’s correspondent.
After 6:30 a.m., Israeli artillery fire targeted Beit Yahoun and Braasheet in the Bint Jbeil district. Overnight, Israeli forces also fired machine guns toward areas around Khiam in Marjayoun, Roueisat al-Alam near Kfar Shuuba in Hasbaya, and Mansouri in Sour.
Later, artillery strikes hit areas around Ali Taher hill in Nabatieh, as well as locations between Nabatieh Fawqa and Kfar Tibnit, and between Mayfadoun and Nabatieh Fawqa. Israeli forces also launched flares over Zawtar Sharqieh and dropped six sound bombs from a drone over Majdal Zoun.
Lebanese Army chief arrives in Zawtar Gharbieh pilot zone
Lebanese Army commander-in-chief Rodolph Haykal arrived Thursday in Zawtar Gharbieh, where army units have been deploying for several days, L’Orient Today's correspondent reported.
The southern town is one of the “pilot zones” included in the Lebanon-Israel framework agreement, under which the Lebanese Army is expected to deploy and dismantle Hezbollah military infrastructure as a condition for an Israeli withdrawal.
Army units began deploying in the area on Tuesday. The same day, the Lebanese Army said Israeli soldiers had fired near its troops as they began their mission under the agreement.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam visited the town on Tuesday and raised the Lebanese flag in its damaged main square, describing the move as a symbol of the state’s return to south Lebanon.
Saudi Arabia confirms vessel hit in Red Sea as Iran restricts Hormuz traffic
Saudi Arabia confirmed Thursday that a vessel owned by a Saudi company was hit in the Red Sea, shortly after Yemen’s Houthis claimed attacks on two Saudi oil tankers.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that the vessel "Encelia" was targeted while sailing in the Red Sea, causing a fire at the front of the ship. All crew members were reported safe.
The Houthis said they carried out drone and missile attacks against two Saudi tankers, naming the vessels as Encelia and Layla, after announcing a maritime blockade targeting Saudi ports.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had stopped three tankers attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, claiming one vessel caught fire after an explosion, forcing the others to turn back.
The IRGC said Iran had restricted passage through the strategic waterway, a key route for global oil shipments.
Doubieh-Shaqra municipality says Israeli troops raised flag over historic castle
The municipality of Shaqra and Doubieh in Bint Jbeil condemned what it described as the entry of Israeli forces into Qalaat Doubieh, where soldiers allegedly raised the Israeli flag.
The municipality called the move a violation of Lebanese sovereignty and an attack on a historic archaeological site belonging to Lebanon’s cultural heritage. It called on Lebanese authorities, including the Culture Ministry’s Directorate General of Antiquities, and UNESCO to investigate and protect the site.
The incident was reported earlier this week but could not initially be independently confirmed, as the castle lies in an area occupied by Israel, according to L’Orient Today’s correspondent.
The Israeli army previously raised its flag over Beaufort Castle, another historic fortress in south Lebanon.
Welcome to our live coverage of today's Middle East tensions
Tensions continue to rise across the region as the United States and Iran exchange strikes, while Israel maintains operations and positions in south Lebanon.
L’Orient Today is following developments in Lebanon’s south, where Israeli forces continue to occupy areas along the border and carry out strikes and demolitions.
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