ALBAWABA - Israeli soldiers struggled in Khiam, Lebanon, during the weekend. Israeli forces withdrew from the eastern portion of the town after fierce Hezbollah fighting.
Two family stranded for a week beneath debris in severely targeted Wati Khiam were evacuated after the retreat. Heavy Israeli bombardment continued over Beqaa, especially Baalbek, and southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah's Al-Manar stated that Israeli soldiers have left Khiam, including Wati. Several Israeli military attacks targeted the old Khiam detention camp and town municipality during the previous week.
In related news, Israel killed two Hezbollah leaders in Khiam, Farouk Amin al-Asi and Youssef Ahmed Noun. Rocket and anti-tank strikes in northern Israel were blamed on both commanders.
After Israeli bombings, the Lebanese Red Cross rescued 20 people, including children, from debris. Sunday saw five victims recovered, while 15 more remain under the rubble.
Following Israeli military evacuation warnings, the Israeli air force started intensive attacks in Baalbek. A café near Baalbek Governmental Hospital was damaged by strikes in Douris, near Baalbek's ancient municipal building, and on the city's outskirts. The hospital director told residents it's operating despite minimal damage.
Other southern Lebanon localities hit by Israeli aircraft were Haret Saida and Ghazieh. A strike on Haret Saida killed three and injured nine, with rescuers on scene. In Tebnine, persistent shelling sparked worries that the hospital would close.
Hezbollah fired missiles toward northern Israeli communities and military facilities. The Islamic Jihad Movement mourned three militants slain in southern Lebanon fighting Israeli soldiers.
Israel and Hezbollah exchange fire, with airstrikes escalating in southern and eastern Lebanon with civilian populations at danger.
