ALBAWABA- An Israeli drone strike killed three people after hitting a vehicle near the southern Lebanese city of Sidon on Monday, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry and the state-run National News Agency.
The strike occurred on the Aqtnit–Quneitra road, about 10 kilometers south of Sidon, setting the vehicle ablaze and leaving it completely charred.
Lebanese security sources identified the victims as Hassan Issa, Ali Abdallah, and Mustafa Ballout, without disclosing their affiliations.
Israel confirmed the operation, stating that the strike targeted Hezbollah operatives allegedly involved in violations of the ceasefire agreement.
The incident is the latest in a series of Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire reached in November 2024.
A day earlier, on December 21, the Israeli military reported killing a Hezbollah member near Yater, accusing him of attempting to rebuild militant infrastructure.
Previous strikes have targeted what Israel describes as Hezbollah positions in southern and eastern Lebanon. Lebanese authorities say more than 5,000 ceasefire violations have been recorded since the truce took effect.
Separately, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said on Sunday that the first phase of Hezbollah’s disarmament south of the Litani River is nearing completion ahead of a year-end deadline.
Under a plan approved by Lebanon’s cabinet in September, the Lebanese army has begun deploying to the south, with up to 10,000 troops expected to enforce the ceasefire. Salam added that a second phase would extend north of the Litani River.
Israel has expressed skepticism over the process and is demanding full compliance, warning against any rearmament. Continued mutual accusations have raised concerns about a potential escalation along the border.
