Hezbollah hits Israeli tank, military vehicle with missiles in southern Lebanon, reports casualties

By Abdulsalam Fayez

ISTANBUL (AA) – Hezbollah announced on Thursday that it had targeted an Israeli tank and a military vehicle in southern Lebanon, inflicting casualties on those inside.

In a statement, the Lebanon-based group said its fighters "targeted a Merkava tank and an Israeli military vehicle in Wata el Khiyam area (southern Lebanon) with two guided missiles, which led to both vehicles catching fire and causing casualties among their crews."

The statement clarified that this action comes "in support of the resilient Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, in solidarity with their courageous and honorable resistance, and defense of Lebanon and its people."

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

Nearly 2,900 people have been killed and over 13,000 injured in Israeli attacks since last October, according to Lebanese health authorities.

Israel expanded the conflict by launching an incursion into southern Lebanon on Oct. 1.

*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala