Israeli fighter jets carried out a series of heavy airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Thursday, targeting a Hezbollah site near the city of Nabatieh, according to Lebanese security sources.

At least 15 strikes were reported in the area, killing one person and injuring eight others, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said.

The Israeli military confirmed the operation, stating that the targeted facility was used by Hezbollah to manage weapons systems for both offensive and defensive purposes.

The base was described as part of a significant underground infrastructure project operated by the Iranian-backed militia.

“The strike targeted terrorists, weapons, and tunnels,” the military said, adding that the facility had been rendered inoperable.

Israel accused Hezbollah of violating a ceasefire agreement that had officially been in place since late November 2023.

Although both sides had repeatedly accused each other of breaches, Israel maintains it would continue to strike militant targets in Lebanon to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its military capabilities.

The latest escalation underscores the fragility of the truce between Hezbollah, an ally of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, and Israel, as regional tensions remain high.

(dpa/NAN)