AhlulBayt News Agency: The Lebanese army announced that it had instructed its units to return fire after Israeli forces targeted an observation post under construction in the Marjayoun district of southern Lebanon.
In a statement posted on X, the army explained that the incident occurred on Tuesday when a low‑flying Israeli drone hovered over the site, issuing warnings in an attempt to force Lebanese soldiers to withdraw.
According to the army, Israeli forces then struck the area near the post, prompting military command to order troops to reinforce their position and respond to the attack. No further details were provided regarding the nature of the strike.
The Israeli military has not issued any comment on the confrontation.
This escalation comes despite the ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024, intended to halt hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel, however, continues to occupy five positions in southern Lebanon and carries out regular strikes in the region.
Lebanese officials have repeatedly condemned Israel’s ongoing violations, noting that more than 2,000 breaches were recorded in the final three months of 2025 alone. A UN report in November confirmed that at least 127 civilians had been killed in Israeli attacks since the truce began.
Israel’s military campaign on Lebanon, launched in October 2023 and intensifying into full‑scale war by September 2024, resulted in over 4,000 deaths and nearly 17,000 injuries.
Lebanese authorities continue to call for international pressure on Israel to halt its attacks and withdraw from territories seized during the last war.
Tensions have also risen due to broader regional dynamics, particularly the possibility of confrontation between the United States and Iran.
In January, Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem stated in a televised speech that the movement would not remain neutral if a conflict erupted between Washington and Tehran.
This heightened rhetoric has led the United States to take precautionary steps. On February 23, a senior State Department official announced the withdrawal of non‑essential staff and eligible family members from the U.S. Embassy in Beirut due to security concerns.
U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran since early January, following his public support for foreign‑linked unrest inside the country.
Trump has also ordered a significant military buildup in regional waters and warned of strikes if Iran does not accept a deal on U.S. terms.
Iranian officials maintain that they are ready for a fair agreement on the nuclear issue but warn that even a limited attack would trigger a decisive response.
The United States and Iran are expected to hold a third round of talks in Geneva on February 26 as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent a wider regional escalation.
/129
Your Comment