Israel orders evacuation of 14 Lebanese villages ahead of attacks

By Abdelraouf Arnaout
JERUSALEM (AA) – The Israeli army ordered civilians in 14 villages in southern Lebanon on Tuesday to evacuate their homes immediately ahead of attacks.
In a statement posted on X, military spokesman Avichay Adraee listed the affected villages, which include Chaqra, Houla, Majdal Selm, Tallouseh, Mays al-Jabal, Souaneh, Qabrikha, Yahmour, Arnoun, Blida, Mhaibib, Baraachit, Froun, and Ghandouriyeh.
He asked residents to leave their homes immediately and move north of the Awali River.
The Israeli army has repeatedly issued evacuation orders for civilians in several areas across Lebanon since the start of its air campaign on the country in late September.
Israel has escalated airstrikes in Lebanon against what it claims are targets of the Hezbollah group in an escalation from year-long cross-border warfare between Israel and the Lebanese group since the start of Israel’s brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, 2023.
More than 3,200 people have been killed and over 14,000 injured in Israeli attacks since October 2023, according to Lebanese health authorities.
Israel expanded the conflict by launching an incursion into southern Lebanon on Oct. 1 this year.
*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala