Hezbollah Destroys Two Israeli Merkava Tanks in Southern Lebanon Amid Escalating Border Clashes
Hezbollah's Islamic Resistance in Lebanon successfully carried out two consecutive operations early Thursday, destroying two Israeli Merkava tanks in southern Lebanon. The operations occurred during intense battles along multiple fronts across the border region, including a renewed Israeli attempt to infiltrate the town of al-Labbouneh on the Western Axis.
The al-Labbouneh area, situated near the Mediterranean coast and the Lebanese-Palestinian border, has been a focal point for Israeli armored advances. However, it has also become a graveyard for Israeli vehicles, with multiple armored units destroyed in recent weeks.
At 12:50 am local time, Hezbollah’s anti-armor units launched an anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) at an Israeli Merkava tank positioned on al-Labbouneh Hill. The missile scored a direct hit, setting the tank ablaze and resulting in the death or injury of its crew. Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in South Lebanon reported that Israeli military vehicles were seen burning in the area, with Israeli rescue teams unable to reach the casualties.
Two hours later, at 2:00 am, Hezbollah released another statement announcing that Resistance fighters had targeted a second Israeli Merkava tank on the same hill. Like the first, this tank was also set ablaze, and its crew was reported killed or injured.
Earlier, fierce confrontations erupted in several border areas, with Israeli media reporting the deaths of at least five Israeli soldiers on Wednesday.
#WATCH | An Israeli tank set ablaze after being targeted by the Islamic Resistance in #Lebanon near the al-Labbouneh area. pic.twitter.com/Gzw6ET6fHf
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 16, 2024
Hezbollah Rockets Target Kiryat Shmona
In addition to the close-range battles and defense against Israeli incursions, Hezbollah’s fighters have continued launching rocket attacks against Israeli positions, settlements, and military sites. In one such attack early Thursday, a barrage of rockets struck the city settlement of Kiryat Shmona, near the Palestinian-Lebanese border.
Several impacts were reported within the settlement, prompting Israeli authorities to consider evacuating settlers who had previously ignored evacuation orders.
Hezbollah’s operations come amid heightened Israeli strikes and ground offensives in recent weeks. Despite these challenges, Hezbollah has quickly recovered and is now actively defending against Israeli ground incursions while responding to Israeli attacks and supporting the Palestinian cause.
Footage has emerged showing rockets launched from #Lebanon impacting the city settlement of Kiryat Shmona in northern occupied #Palestine, as Hezbollah announced its responsibility for the operation. pic.twitter.com/FQYrq2FAt3
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 16, 2024
source:AlMayadeen