Key facts
- Nine people were killed in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon.
- Three of the deceased were members of the Lebanese military, including a brigadier general and a captain.
- The strike targeted a vehicle on the road between Nabatiyeh and Marjayoun.
- The Lebanese Army described the strike as an "aggressive and barbaric raid".
- The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated the vehicle was moving suspiciously and gunfire had been reported in the area.
- The IDF has launched an investigation into the incident.
Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday resulted in the deaths of nine people, including three members of the Lebanese military, according to the Lebanese army and state media. The targeted strike hit a vehicle on the road between Nabatiyeh and Marjayoun, killing a brigadier general, a captain, and another soldier. The Lebanese Army condemned the attack as "aggressive and barbaric." The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the vehicle was observed moving suspiciously and that gunfire had been reported in the vicinity, adding that an investigation has been initiated. This incident occurs amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, and reportedly follows a new ceasefire deal. The situation is complicated by U.S. pressure on Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, while the Lebanese army faces limitations on weaponry due to U.S. sanctions. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's recent criticism of Iran and Hezbollah has drawn backlash, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responding sarcastically.