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3. Israel Strikes Suspected Hezbollah Drone Production Facilities in Beirut’s Southern Suburbs

The Israeli army carried out at least three airstrikes on suspected Hezbollah drone production facilities in the heart of the densely-populated southern suburbs of Beirut on Thursday evening. 

There was no immediate reports of possible casualties and the extent of the damage inflicted by the strikes.

An hour earlier the residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs fled their homes following an urgent warning from the Israeli army, which has threatened to strike specific neighborhoods amid escalating tensions.

Avichay Adraee, the Israeli army’s Arabic spokesperson, issued a stark call on his official X account urging civilians in neighborhoods including Hadath, Haret Hreik, and Burj al-Barajneh to immediately evacuate buildings marked in red on maps he shared, as well as adjacent structures. He emphasized the importance of moving at least 300 meters away from targeted areas to ensure the safety of residents and their families.

Following the warning, heavy gunfire was heard throughout the southern suburbs, reportedly intended as an alert to residents in the designated zones. Eyewitnesses and local reports confirmed a mass exodus as families hurried to leave.

In his statement, Adraee revealed that the Israeli army plans to target several underground facilities in Beirut’s southern suburbs, which are he said are used for producing drones. These infrastructures are embedded within densely populated civilian areas, heightening concerns about collateral damage.

Despite ongoing understanding agreements between Israel and Lebanon, the Israeli army said Hezbollah’s air unit 127 continues to manufacture thousands of drones with direction and funding from Iran. These drones have been widely used by Hezbollah in attacks against Israel and are reportedly being produced in growing numbers in preparation for a potential future conflict.

Adraee described these activities as a “blatant violation” of the agreements between the two countries and accused Hezbollah of defying Lebanese state authority to undermine peace efforts.

The Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared following the evacuation warning, “We hold the Lebanese government responsible for preventing violations of the ceasefire.” His statement comes on the 100th day since the formation of PM Nawaf Salam’s government.