At least 10 killed as Israel keeps up assault in southern Lebanon

By Stephanie Radi

BEIRUT (AA) – At least ten people were killed in a new wave of Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, according to Lebanese media.

Israeli warplane struck the border town of Maaraken, leaving three people dead, the state news agency NNA reported.

The strike came shortly after the Israeli army issues immediate evacuation orders for residents in several areas in the town.

Two more people lost their lives in another airstrike in Maifadoun town in Nabatieh district.

Five people were also killed when Israeli fighter jets launched several airstrikes in Srebbine town in Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon.

Israeli artillery shelling were also reported in several southern towns, including Ramieh, Aita al-Shaab and Al-Qouzah.

Israel has mounted a huge air campaign in Lebanon since last month against what it claims are Hezbollah targets in an escalation from a year of cross-border warfare between Israel and the group since the start of Israel’s brutal offensive on Gaza.

Nearly 2,500 people have been killed and more than 11,860 injured in Israeli attacks since October last year, according to Lebanese health authorities.

Israel expanded the conflict on Oct. 1 this year by launching a ground assault into southern Lebanon.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara