Hezbollah launched multiple drone attacks on Israeli military positions in southern Lebanon on Thursday, while Israeli artillery and drone strikes hit several towns across the south of the country amid rising regional tensions and ongoing diplomatic efforts between Lebanon and Israel.
The Lebanese armed group said its fighters targeted Israeli soldiers and vehicles near the port area of Naqoura, as well as positions in Tayr Harfa and Dibil, using attack drones.
The group did not specify whether casualties were caused in the attacks.
Israeli artillery meanwhile shelled the towns of Baraashit and Kfar Dounine, while an Israeli drone strike hit Yaroun and an air raid targeted Sarafand in the Tyre district.
Separate artillery fire also struck the town of Shawkin near an orphanage, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.
No casualties were immediately reported following the attack near the orphanage.
UNICEF figures cited in local reporting stated that since March 2, more than 200 children have reportedly been killed and more than 800 wounded in Israeli strikes.
The escalation came as the Lebanese army confirmed its participation in upcoming negotiations with Israel at the Pentagon.
In a statement, the army said the officers assigned to the mission “represent the nation” and are carrying out the military institution’s decisions.
The statement added that the delegation remains committed to “national principles and the army’s doctrine”.
The army also rejected claims regarding sectarian distribution within the delegation.
The United States Treasury Department announced sanctions against nine individuals in Lebanon accused of aiding Hezbollah and obstructing efforts linked to the group’s disarmament.
The sanctions targeted figures linked to the Amal movement as well as a member of Lebanon’s Armed Forces.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Hezbollah “must be fully disarmed” and accused officials of enabling the group’s activities and obstructing peace efforts.
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott described the sanctions as a warning to political, business and security figures allegedly supporting Hezbollah while diplomatic contacts between Beirut and Israel continue.