Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based militant group, announced on Sunday that it had deployed a new type of heavy rocket named after Jihad Mughniyeh in an attack on Mount Dov, Israel. Mughniyeh, a notable member of Hezbollah, was killed in 2015 in Syria in an operation attributed to Israel. He was the son of Imad Mughniyeh, a senior Hezbollah figure assassinated in 2008 in Damascus. The rocket launch is part of a series of recent clashes along the Israeli-Lebanese border.
#Lebonan – Hezbollah said that it has used Jihad Mughniyeh heavy missiles in attacks against an Israeli military base in occupied Shebaa Farms.
The unguided tactical missile has a high-level destructive power and is equipped with a warhead weighing 1200 kg.
Via @savunmaisleri pic.twitter.com/76odGNzQNZ— Mete Sohtaoğlu (@metesohtaoglu) May 13, 2024
In related incidents on Monday, Hezbollah intensified its military actions against northern Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that four soldiers were wounded by anti-tank guided missiles fired from Lebanon. The attacks occurred near Kibbutz Yiftah, where two missiles resulted in three soldiers receiving light wounds and one in moderate condition. All injured personnel were transported to Ziv Hospital in Safed for treatment.
Additionally, Hezbollah deployed explosive-laden drones across the border. Two such drones exploded near the northern community of Beit Hillel, causing a fire that was later extinguished. Another drone fell in the area of Zarit; however, it did not result in any casualties. The IDF is currently investigating why no alert sirens sounded in the towns during these drone attacks.
These attacks coincided with Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terror, adding a poignant context to the day’s violent events. Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for the missile and drone strikes, stating that they targeted military positions in Yiftah and near Beit Hillel.
The ongoing conflict has significantly affected both sides. Since October 8, when the attacks intensified, there have been nine civilian deaths in Israel and the deaths of 14 IDF soldiers and reservists. Hezbollah has reported the deaths of 296 of its members, mostly in Lebanon, with additional casualties including other militants, a Lebanese soldier, and civilians.
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