Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah group announced on Friday that it had launched “dozens of Katyusha rockets” targeting Israeli artillery positions.
The barrage, according to the group, was a response to Israeli airstrikes in the southern region.
Hezbollah, a close ally of Hamas, has been engaged in almost daily cross-border exchanges with the Israeli army since the Palestinian group attacked southern Israel on October 7, which sparked conflict in Gaza.
In a statement, Hezbollah fighters claimed to have aimed at “enemy artillery positions” using numerous Katyusha rockets in retaliation for what they described as Israeli attacks on southern villages and civilian homes.
Meanwhile, the Israeli army reported that it had identified approximately 40 launches originating from Lebanese territory, some of which were intercepted. Despite the intense exchange, no injuries were reported.
The army also disclosed that it had intercepted two Hezbollah attack drones that had crossed from Lebanon.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported Israeli bombardment of several villages near the border.
The ongoing violence has resulted in a death toll of at least 363 people in Lebanon, primarily comprising Hezbollah fighters but also including at least 70 civilians, as per an AFP tally.
In Israel, the military confirmed the deaths of 10 soldiers and eight civilians. Tens of thousands of civilians have been displaced from their homes on both sides of the border, adding to the humanitarian crisis.
