Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Hezbollah launched a missile attack on Friday, targeting Israeli forces stationed at the Nafah Base in the Golan Heights. This action follows intense military campaigns in the region, including airstrikes conducted by the US and the UK against Houthi rebel positions in Yemen.
According to reports from Al Masirah TV, the media outlet run by the Houthi movement, US and British airstrikes hit various parts of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa and Hodeidah airport. Local residents confirmed these strikes. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have killed five paramedics in their latest military offensive.
Israel has ramped up its operations in Lebanon, specifically targeting areas where Hezbollah is most active. A significant airstrike cut off a major highway connecting Lebanon and Syria, causing the closure of the road near the Masnaa Border Crossing, a key route for tens of thousands fleeing the conflict into Syria over the last two weeks.
Key Updates:
- US & UK Airstrikes in Yemen: According to AFP and the Houthi-run Al Masirah network, US-led airstrikes hit three Houthi-controlled cities in Yemen on Friday, including the capital Sanaa and the port city of Hodeidah.
- Hospital Damage in Lebanon: Three hospitals in Lebanon have been damaged by Israeli bombardments, including Sainte Therese Hospital in Beirut and two hospitals in southern Lebanon, leading to a suspension of operations. This was reported by AP.
- “Bunker Buster” Bombs in Beirut: Israel has deployed “bunker buster” bombs in a densely populated area of south Beirut, reportedly targeting senior Hezbollah leader Hashem Safieddine. This airstrike is considered one of the largest to hit Beirut during this conflict.
- Evacuation of Americans: US-arranged flights have successfully evacuated around 350 American citizens and their families from Lebanon as clashes between Hezbollah and Israel escalate. However, thousands of Americans remain in Lebanon amid ongoing airstrikes and dwindling commercial flight options.
- IDF Military Operations: Over the past four days, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have targeted more than 2,000 military sites in Lebanon, killing 250 Hezbollah militants, including high-ranking battalion and company commanders. Israeli Air Force strikes have also focused on preemptive attacks in southern Lebanon.
- Strikes on Hezbollah HQ: Israel announced that it struck Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters in Lebanon overnight. The IDF is currently assessing the outcome of this operation, following multiple attacks on senior Hezbollah figures.
- US Diplomatic Efforts: In Washington, senior officials from the State Department and the White House met with two prominent Arab American representatives on Thursday to discuss efforts to assist Americans still stranded in Lebanon.
