Israeli drones struck three vehicles on the main highway south of Beirut on Wednesday, killing eight people, including a woman and her two children, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The Israeli military stated it targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in several areas of southern Lebanon, hours after urging residents of six southern villages to evacuate.
Details of the Attacks
The Health Ministry confirmed three strikes but did not specify the number of casualties per vehicle. Two of the drone attacks hit a highway linking Beirut with the southern port city of Sidon, while a third struck the town of Saadiyat, near the busy freeway, reported the state-run National News Agency. A fourth strike on Sidon's northern entrance occurred in the early afternoon, hitting a car, according to state media.
An Associated Press photographer observed the bodies of three people killed in two of the strikes near the coastal towns of Barja and Jiyeh.
Ongoing Conflict
In southern Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes were reported in various towns and villages, while Hezbollah claimed to have launched more attacks on Israel. Both sides continue to exchange fire despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that took effect on April 17.
The latest Israel-Hezbollah war began on March 2, when the Lebanese militant group fired rockets into northern Israel two days after the United States and Israel attacked Iran.
Diplomatic Efforts
Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to hold another round of direct talks in Washington on Thursday, as the Trump administration pushes for a breakthrough between the two neighbors, who have been in a state of war since Israel's creation in 1948.
Casualty Toll
Lebanese Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine told reporters Tuesday that since the ceasefire began, 380 people have been killed and 1,122 wounded. This brings the total toll since the war started to 2,882 killed and 8,786 wounded.
