The Israeli military has reported that eight of its soldiers have been killed in combat with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, with three of those being commanders. Additionally, seven soldiers are critically wounded following the clashes that erupted after Israeli troops attempted to infiltrate the border town of Maroun al-Ras.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for destroying three Israeli Merkava tanks using guided missiles as they approached the town. The group stated that several Israeli troops were killed and wounded during combat in both Maroun al-Ras and Odaissah, where they repelled an incursion by Israeli infantry.
Contradicting the Israeli military’s report, an Israeli source quoted by Sky News Arabia indicated that as many as 14 Israeli soldiers were killed during the fighting.
The Lebanese army has accused Israeli forces of breaching the Blue Line, the demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel, by moving approximately 400 meters into Lebanese territory before withdrawing shortly thereafter. Earlier in the day, Hezbollah announced that it had targeted Israeli troops along the border, hitting three military positions with rockets and artillery.
Hezbollah’s media chief, Mohammad Afif, asserted that the group possesses sufficient fighters, weapons, and ammunition to counter Israeli forces effectively. Reports from Israeli Telegram pages indicated that rescue helicopters were seen transporting injured soldiers from the northern border to hospitals in Haifa.
These clashes occur amidst an Israeli military operation that has expanded to include regular infantry and armored units, supported by air force and artillery fire. This follows a recent attack on Israel by Iran involving a barrage of ballistic missiles.
Hezbollah reported targeting an Israeli unit near the village of Yaroun with an explosive device, claiming Israeli casualties during the incident.
Since announcing a ground invasion of Lebanon, Israel has described its actions as “limited” commando raids. However, the deployment of infantry and armored troops suggests a broader operation, primarily focused on dismantling Hezbollah’s tunnel infrastructure along the border.
The Israeli military has ordered residents in 24 towns in southern Lebanon to evacuate to areas north of the Awali River in anticipation of further attacks. This evacuation directive is part of an ongoing effort, with Israeli authorities regularly urging Lebanese civilians to leave areas near the border. The ongoing conflict has displaced at least 1.2 million people in Lebanon, as Israeli airstrikes continue to target areas across southern Lebanon and conduct raids in Beirut’s southern suburbs, locally known as Dahiyeh.
In other news – Self-proclaimed Prophet Madungwe taken into custody for traffic violations
Controversial self-proclaimed prophet Talent Madungwe has been arrested for driving a car gifted to him by Wicknell Chivayo without a valid driver’s license. Madungwe appeared in the Epworth Magistrate’s Court yesterday, facing charges of negligent driving and operating a vehicle without a license.
According to H-Metro, the court heard details about Madungwe’s legal troubles stemming from his traffic violations. The prophet had received a Toyota Aqua from the controversial businessman Chivayo several months ago, a gift reportedly given due to Madungwe’s amusing antics and bold religious claims, including his assertion that he dines with God in Heaven. Read More
