ALBAWABA - Hezbollah launched a major counteroffensive today after thwarting fresh Israeli infiltration efforts into southern Lebanon. Heavy rocket fire against Israeli military positions and settlements damaged them, the organization said.
The Israeli military said it killed 250 Hezbollah militants, including key leaders.
Hezbollah said its fighters detonated three explosive devices near Maroun al-Ras, targeting Israeli soldiers. After the explosion, intense fighting allegedly killed Israeli forces approaching.
Hezbollah verified similar encounters with Israeli forces into Yaroun. The group fired artillery and rockets against Israeli soldiers approaching Bayader al-Adas west of Yaroun.
Hezbollah claimed over 20 operations throughout the day, including direct confrontations, rocket strikes on Israeli military positions, and attacks on neighboring settlements.
Hezbollah said that it has fired a "Borkan" heavy missile against an Israeli military convoy near Sa'sa in the Galilee. A rocket apparently caused substantial damage. Hezbollah also claimed to have bombarded an Israeli unit in the Maroun al-Ras plains and struck a Merkava tank near Malikiya, causing several Israeli deaths.
The gang also launched rockets against Safed, Ilaniya military facility, Katzrin base, and the Hatzor community, among other vital targets.
The Israeli military reported 70 Lebanon-launched rockets into the Upper Galilee in one hour.
Since the ground assault in Lebanon began, Israeli military spokeswoman Nadav Shoshani said around 250 Hezbollah militants had been killed. He claimed that attacks against Hezbollah's intelligence offices in Beirut's southern suburbs were the most intensive and caused significant damage.
In four days, the Israeli force targeted almost 2,000 Hezbollah targets, including persons, military infrastructure, and weapon depots.
Israel's heaviest attack on Lebanon since 2006 has caused significant destruction. Lebanese authorities say heavy airstrikes have killed 2,000 people, maimed hundreds, and caused an unprecedented refugee catastrophe.
