On Wednesday, Israel unleashed intensive airstrikes on the historic city of Baalbek and adjacent towns in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa valley.
This military assault follows an Israeli military evacuation order for Baalbek and its surrounding areas, according to security sources cited by Reuters.
Since the evacuation order was issued, many of Baalbek people have fled as tensions rose ahead of the Israeli bombings. The order arrived around four hours before the attacks began, causing a mass departure from the city and neighboring areas.
Earlier on Wednesday, a drone launched from Lebanon struck an aviation plant in northern Israel, prompting Israeli authorities to warn residents in a Hezbollah stronghold in Lebanon to evacuate before impending airstrikes. The exchange of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah continued as senior US officials arrived in the region to seek a resolution to the ongoing violence.
Urgent Evacuation Order Issued For Baalbek Residents Ahead Of Israeli Airstrikes
The Israel Defense Forces announced late Wednesday morning that residents of the northeastern Lebanese city of Baalbek should evacuate without delay, as warplanes were prepared to strike locations associated with the Iran-backed terrorist group in the region.
“The IDF will act forcefully against Hezbollah assets inside your city and villages, and does not intend to harm you,” Col. Avichay Adraee said on X.
#عاجل بيان عاجل إلى سكان #جنوب_لبنان في القرى التالية:
— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) October 30, 2024
🔸 سجد, كفرجوز, النبطية التحتا, النبطية الفوقا, زفتا, جرجوع, حومين التحتا, كفر رمان
🔸نشاطات حزب الله الارهابي تجبر جيش الدفاع للعمل ضده بقوة في هذه المناطق ولا ننوي المساس بكم
🔸من أجل سلامتكم عليكم إخلاء منازلكم فورًا… pic.twitter.com/L9Ep3BWzB4
Civil defence vehicles circulated throughout the city, using loudspeakers to urge residents to evacuate immediately. About an hour after the evacuation alert, the correspondent noted, “The city is nearly deserted,” according to the Times of Israel.
Get the latest news updates and stay informed with FELA NEWS!
Source: Jagran English