Key facts
- Shi'ite Muslims in Lebanon observed Ashura with processions in Nabatieh.
- Nabatieh and surrounding towns have suffered damage from Israeli military operations.
- Participants carried images of Hezbollah fighters killed in Israeli strikes.
- Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem called for Israeli troops to withdraw from southern Lebanon.
- An Israeli drone strike occurred in Nabatieh al-Fawqa on Saturday.
Shi'ite Muslims in Lebanon marked Ashura, their holiest day, with processions in the southern city of Nabatieh, which has been heavily damaged by nearly four months of Israeli military operations. The annual tradition, a solemn observance commemorating the killing of Imam Hussein, took place amidst rubble and destroyed buildings.
Participants carried posters of Hezbollah fighters killed in Israeli strikes and portraits of slain loved ones. While the elaborate re-enactment typically held in Nabatieh was cancelled due to the security situation, residents expressed a defiant tone, emphasizing their commitment to defending their land and remaining in their hometown.
In Beirut's southern suburbs, thousands gathered to watch a televised address by Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem. He called for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon and stated that Lebanon must not normalize ties with Israel. The Dahiyeh area, controlled by Hezbollah, has also been targeted by Israel during the recent conflict.
Israel struck southern Lebanon on Saturday, a day after the two countries signed a U.S.-brokered security arrangement aimed at easing tensions along their border after months of hostilities. Lebanon's state news agency said an Israeli drone struck in Nabatieh al-Fawqa. The Israeli military told Reuters it had carried out the strike, using a drone as no Israeli troops were in the immediate area, and said it targeted an individual who posed a threat to its forces.