Israeli drones kill 12 in Lebanon

AP

Beirut

At least 12 people, including a woman and two children, were killed in a series of Israeli drone strikes on vehicles south of Beirut on Wednesday, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry, as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah intensified despite a US-brokered ceasefire.

The strikes targeted seven vehicles in separate attacks along the coastal highway linking Beirut to the southern port city of Sidon and in towns further south, including Barja, Jiyeh, Saadiyat, Maaliyeh, Chaaitiyeh and Naqoura. State-run media reported another strike at Sidon’s northern entrance in the afternoon. A photographer at the scene saw bodies recovered from two of the strikes near Barja and Jiyeh. The ministry confirmed the attacks but did not provide a detailed casualty breakdown for each strike. 

The Israeli military said it had targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in several areas of southern Lebanon after warning residents of six villages to evacuate earlier in the day. It also said Hezbollah fighters launched drones near areas where Israeli troops were operating in southern Lebanon, but reported no Israeli casualties.

The violence comes despite a ceasefire brokered by the US that took effect on April 17. Lebanese Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine said on Tuesday over 400 people had been killed across Lebanon since the truce began.

Israeli forces have intensified air and artillery strikes in recent days, saying they are targeting Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure. Hezbollah has also continued launching attacks into Israel.

Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to hold another round of direct talks in Washington on Thursday as the administration of US President Trump pushes for a diplomatic breakthrough bet­ween the neighbours, which have technically remained in a state of war since 1948.

2,896

people, killed and 8,786 wounded in Lebanon since March 2. Among the dead are over 200 children. The govt said since the ceasefire, 380 people have been killed and 1,122 injured.