Israeli forces conducted two airstrikes against Hezbollah positions in the Bekaa Valley, near the city of Baalbek, resulting in the deaths of two Hezbollah operatives. Roughly 60 miles away from the Israeli border, the operation marks the first incursion into Eastern Lebanon since the conflict began. The strikes hit an area roughly 11 miles outside the city of Baalbek, which is known for its Roman ruins. The area is also a political stronghold of the Shi’ite Hezbollah group.
The airstrikes came after Hezbollah forces successfully shot down an Israeli Hermes 450 drone over southern Lebanon, which was captured on video, and later confirmed by the IDF. Israeli officials told AFP that the strikes were targeted at Hezbollah “air defense systems” in retaliation of the downing of the Israeli drone.
Israeli Hermes 450 UAV reportedly shot down by Hezbollah over Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/3tu8TyYrMz
— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 26, 2024
In response to the IDF’s successful airstrikes, Hezbollah reportedly fired over 60 rockets toward an Israeli military base located in Golan Heights. No casualties were reported from this counter-attack.
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