19 Sep 2024 | 07:02 PM UTC
Israel, Lebanon: Israel targets dozens of locations in southern Lebanon, late Sept. 19, amid heightened tensions
Israel Defense Forces conduct strikes against multiple Hizballah sites in southern Lebanon on late Sept. 19 amid heightened tensions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) targeted more than 50 locations across southern Lebanon on late Sept. 19. The strikes came following a large barrage of projectiles from Lebanon into northern Israel. There have been no immediate reports of significant casualties or material damage. The latest round of cross-border violence comes following a speech by the Lebanese Hizballah (LH) leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in which he pledged to retaliate for the explosions resulting from group members' personal communication devices that killed at least 37 people and wounded thousands of others.
Heightened security, as well as disruptions to transport and business operations, remain likely over the coming hours.
Consider avoiding nonessential travel to Lebanon, Israel, and Syria, particularly the shared border region, until the situation stabilizes. Consider departing Lebanon via commercial means while these are available. Note that commercial options in Lebanon may become increasingly limited if the security environment deteriorates. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations. Monitor local media and abide by security forces' directives. If incoming mortar rounds or rockets are reported or warning sirens sound in the general vicinity, report to the nearest bomb shelter and await further instructions from authorities. If there is no shelter nearby, stay indoors and away from windows and exterior walls. If possible, move to a ground floor or basement. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Reconfirm the status of transport services before departure. Review and update contingency plans.
The Israeli government has moved thousands of troops to the northern region of the country near the border with Lebanon. The Netanyahu administration intends to return thousands of Israelis who have been displaced as a result of the projectile attacks from southern Lebanon. Since the Israeli government has made the safe return of its citizens to their communities in northern Israel an official war aim, the IDF has increased its attacks against the LH.
