25 Sep 2024 | 03:06 PM UTC
Lebanon: Israeli airstrikes reported in several areas of Lebanon on Sept. 25 /update 3
Israeli airstrikes reported in multiple areas of Lebanon Sept. 25. Further airstrikes likely.
Israeli airstrikes targeted several locations throughout Lebanon on Sept. 25. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have targeted Al-Hosh, Al-Masirah, Ain Qana, Bint Jbeil, Jiyeh, Joun, Maaysrah, Saadiyat, Tebnin, and several towns in Baalbek-Hermel Governorate. The airstrikes have reportedly killed at least 51 people and wounded over 223 others; casualty figures are almost certain to rise in the coming hours.
Large numbers of displaced individuals fleeing the air campaign have reportedly resulted in traffic jams along major thoroughfares, particularly the highway linking the south of the country toward Beirut and border crossings with Syria. High passenger traffic at Beirut International Airport (BEY) cannot be ruled out. BEY remains operational, though several international airlines have canceled flights to and from the country. Conflict-related impacts could also include localized power outages.
Over the coming hours, the affected areas will likely experience increased security, as well as transport and business disruptions. Further cross-border violence and IDF airstrikes are highly likely in the short term.
Avoid the impacted areas until authorities give the all-clear. Seek alternative routes and allow additional travel time to nearby destinations. Heed instructions from authorities. In light of recent regional tensions, consider avoiding nonessential travel to Lebanon, particularly the border region shared with Israel, until the situation stabilizes. Review all contingency plans. 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.
The latest Israeli strikes come amid the ongoing cross-border violence between the IDF and militants associated with the Lebanese Hizballah (LH) and Hamas. The IDF's objective is to deter the militants from further attacks against Israel and to force them to withdraw from areas near the country's border with Lebanon. The IDF launched a large-scale air campaign against LH on Sept. 23, representing the most severe escalation in hostilities between the Lebanese militant group and Israel since the 2006 war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to change the "balance of power" vis-a-vis the Lebanon-based militant group through preemptive strikes on perceived LH targets. The ongoing nature of the airstrikes could be an attempt by Israel to escalate to de-escalate, though the risk of miscalculation remains high.
