Israeli drone strikes on Thursday in the southern Lebanese town of Mays al-Jabal killed two people, including a Hezbollah operative and a Lebanese Civil Defense volunteer, according to Israeli and Lebanese sources.
In a post on X, Israeli army Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated that the Israeli forces killed a member of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force. He added that another Hezbollah operative involved in intelligence gathering was also killed in the area.
Earlier on Thursday, an Israeli drone targeted a pickup truck between the towns of Mays al-Jabal and Blida, followed by a second strike on a Rapid vehicle near the Mays al-Jabal pool square.
The Health Ministry’s Public Health Emergency Operations Center confirmed that the first drone strike resulted in the death of a Lebanese citizen and the injury of two Syrians. A separate statement reported that a second person was killed and another injured in the subsequent strike.
Lebanese state-run National News Agency (NNA) identified the second casualty as Osama Bahij Farhat, a volunteer with the Lebanese Civil Defense. Moreover, the municipality of Mays al-Jabal issued a statement mourning Farhat, describing him as a “martyr” killed in the line of duty.
The incidents add to growing tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border, amid continued cross-border hostilities and drone surveillance. Speaking to Al-Nahar al-Arabi, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said five strategic positions still occupied by Israeli forces in the South have no military value and called on Israel to honor the ceasefire agreement signed in November.
President Aoun also provided an update on Lebanese Armed Forces operations south of the Litani River, stating that 85% of the area has been secured. However, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, citing difficult terrain, dense forest cover and shortages in personnel and equipment. “Israel must withdraw so that the Lebanese army can fully assume responsibility for border control,” he said.
Thursday also saw a sharp increase in low-altitude Israeli drone activity. Surveillance drones were spotted over Beirut and its southern suburbs, as well as the areas of Bchamoun, Hermel and several villages in the northern Bekaa and southern Lebanon.
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