Hezbollah Launches Drone Attack on Israeli Military Base Near Haifa, Killing 4 and Injuring 60
In a significant escalation of hostilities, the Iranian-backed Lebanese organization Hezbollah launched a drone attack on a military base in the Benjamina area near Haifa, Israel’s third-largest city, resulting in the deaths of 4 Israeli soldiers and leaving 60 others injured, many in critical condition.
Hezbollah’s Largest Attack Near Haifa
According to AFP, Israeli forces confirmed the attack in a statement, attributing it to Hezbollah. This marks one of the most severe assaults by Hezbollah on Israeli soil since the military escalation in Lebanon began on September 23. The targeted military base is located in northern Israel, close to the city of Haifa.
Hezbollah’s Retaliation for Israeli Airstrikes
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the drone strike, stating that it was in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike in Beirut a few days earlier. The Iran-backed militant group warned that the attack was just a precursor to more dangerous assaults if Israel continues its military operations against Lebanon.
“Hezbollah said that what Israel saw today in Haifa was nothing. Israel must prepare for even more serious and dangerous attacks,” the organization declared in a statement.
Rising Casualties Amid Escalating Conflict
Emergency services reported that 60 people were injured in the drone attack, with a majority in critical condition. This incident comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, as Israel continues its military offensive in Lebanon.
Earlier in the week, Israel’s airstrikes in central Beirut claimed 22 lives, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health. Since the conflict escalated, more than 2,000 Lebanese civilians have been killed in Israeli attacks.
Regional Tensions at a Boiling Point
The ongoing violence between Hezbollah and Israeli forces highlights the fragile and dangerous nature of the conflict in the region. Both sides have warned of further escalations, and the potential for a broader conflict remains a looming concern as hostilities continue to grow.