The Israel Defense Forces confirmed it conducted targeted airstrikes on Hezbollah fuel depots in northeastern Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley. The sites, located within Hezbollah-controlled military compounds, are reportedly part of Hezbollah’s Unit 4400 network, which manages the transportation of weapons and fuel from Iran.
The Lebanese health ministry reported at least 60 people killed in these strikes, including two children, with injuries to another 58 people. The strikes targeted approximately a dozen towns, with Al-Allaq suffering the heaviest casualties as 16 members of a single family reportedly lost their lives. Bachie Khodr, Governor of Baalbek, called the attacks the “most violent” seen in the area this year, while Bilal Raad, head of Baalbek’s Civil Defence, described the airstrikes as creating a “ring of fire” around residential areas.
Footage posted on social media showed extensive destruction, with buildings damaged and forests ablaze. Residents of Boudai and other towns appealed for additional rescue equipment to reach individuals believed trapped under rubble.
IDF says it hit Hezbollah’s Unit 4400 fuel depots in Beqaa, used to supply fuel for military vehicles.
Unit 4400 is responsible for smuggling weapons from Iran and its allies.
The IDF noted the fuel was supplied by Iran. pic.twitter.com/UGeq1rEq3U
— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 30, 2024
Operation Baalbek continues at this time. https://t.co/RlORltXwgI pic.twitter.com/KENp77bTRD
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) October 30, 2024
Baalbek houses the ancient Roman city of Heliopolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site where thousands of pilgrims once came to honor three revered deities. UNESCO confirmed it is closely monitoring the impact of the recent airstrikes on cultural heritage sites. Current satellite assessments showed that the Roman ruins have not sustained damage.
Lebanese officials estimate that over 2,700 people have died and more than 12,400 have been injured since hostilities escalated. The Lebanese government also reports that approximately 1.3 million people have been displaced within Lebanon.
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