Israeli shelling and explosions hit southern Lebanon ahead of Rome talks
Southern Lebanon saw Israeli shelling and explosions as Lebanon and Israel prepare for new talks in Rome next week, drawing condemnation from Lebanese officials.
Key Takeaways
AIAs Lebanon and Israel prepare for a new round of talks in Rome next week, areas in southern Lebanon have witnessed explosions and artillery shelling by Israeli forces.
According to Asharq, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri condemned the Israeli escalation, describing it as "a crime that must not be ignored."
The Lebanese National News Agency reported that Israeli forces carried out "large explosions" overnight in the areas of Yuhmor al-Shaqif, Arnoun, and Kfar Tibnit in Nabatieh Governorate, with the blasts heard across wide areas of southern Lebanon, Iqlim al-Kharroub, and Khaldeh in Mount Lebanon.
The agency explained that the explosions near Shaqif Castle shattered windows in several homes in the town of Qlayaa and caused material damage. Residents reported feeling strong tremors and smelling gunpowder in the air.
The agency also noted that Israeli forces carried out artillery shelling on Friday targeting the town of Tallousa in Marjayoun District, Nabatieh Governorate.
Additionally, the agency reported that Israeli drones flew over Beirut and its southern suburbs on Friday, without providing further details.
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri commented on the attack, saying: "The shockwaves from the terrorist explosions caused by 700 tons of explosives, which registered 3.8 on seismic monitors, were felt by Lebanese residents from the south and the mountains all the way to the outskirts of Beirut."
He added: "If these shockwaves do not awaken national and humanitarian awareness regarding the destruction caused by the Israeli war machine to people, heritage, culture, and urban life, then humanity and its future are certainly at risk."
These developments came just hours after Lebanese Army Commander Joseph Aoun returned from an official visit to Turkey, where he held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the situation in Lebanon and the region, bilateral relations, and the outcomes of the recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.