Israel launched a fresh series of attacks on the Lebanese capital of Beirut on Wednesday.

The army made the announcement on social media platform X, saying it was attacking terrorist targets in Beirut.

The army issued multiple evacuation orders for people living in several buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs in the early hours of Wednesday.

There were initially no reports of casualties or damage.

The strikes came hours after Iran launched a massive missile attack on Israel, firing around 180 rockets on Tuesday evening, according to initial estimates by the Israeli army.

Iran said the attack was in retaliation for the killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and the head of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah.

It also warned of devastating and destructive attacks if Israel responded.

Iran’s attack came hours after the Israel Defence Forces began a limited, localised ground operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.

The continued escalation has heightened fears that the region is on the brink of all-out regional war. 

(dpa/NAN)