File image.
Hezbollah escalated attacks from southern Lebanon, inflicting losses on the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) but also taking casualties.
On October 17, Hezbollah carried out at least five attacks against the IDF in the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms. The group fighters targeted a pickup truck near the settlement of Metula and two Merkava tanks near Ramim and Blida military sites with anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM).
The military sites of Zarit, al-Sadh, Jal Al-Deir, al-Malikiyah and Birkat Risha were also targeted with direct fire. Moreover, Hezbollah fighters fired ATGMs at three gatherings of Israeli troops in the sites of Pranit and Byad Blida as well as near Ramia town.
The IDF censorship restricted reports of casualties. However, it was reported that the attack in Metula wounded three, two soldiers and a civilian.
Videos released by Hezbollah’s Military Media from the attacks in Metula, Blida and near Ramia suggest that the number of Israeli casualties is much higher than what has been acknowledged, so far.
In response to the strikes, the IDF shelled different parts of southern Lebanon and even carried out drone strikes against targets of Hezbollah. The group acknowledged the death of five of its fighters in seperate statements released throughout the day.
Hezbollah carried out more attacks on October 18. The group’s fighters destroyed a Merkava tank near al-Rahib military site with an ATGM. The military site of Jal al-Alam, Zarit barracks and an IDF naval site located opposite of Ras Naqoura were also targeted with ATGMs and direct fire. In addition, several ATGMs were fired at a gathering of troops and a surveillance system in al-Tahyat hill to the south of al-Manara town.
The IDF said that four soldiers were wounded by an ATGM in al-Rahib, de-facto admitting that a tank was either severely damaged or destroyed.
Moreover, the IDF reported the launch of nine rockets from Lebanon at the settlement of Kiryat Shmona in Shebaa Farms. Four were intercepted by the Iron Dome air defense system. At least one landed in the settlement, causing no casualties or damage.
Hezbollah’s Military Media also released video footage of the group’s snipers destroying Israeli surveillance, jamming and communication systems along the separation fence.
In response to the attacks, the IDF said it struck three ATGM launch positions of Hezbollah and targeted a cell of the group that was firing mortars. Hezbollah said that one of its fighters was killed. Meanwhile, Lebanese media reported that several civilians in the south were wounded by Israeli artillery strikes.
Hezbollah and its Palestinian allies, the Hamas Movement and Islamic Jihad, began launching attacks from southern Lebanon a day after the October 7 surprise attack against Israel with the aim of distracting the IDF and supporting the Gaza Strip.
Clashes on the Lebanon front have so far inflicted serious losses on both sides. More escalation on the front is expected in the coming days. Hezbollah and its allies will likely seek revenge for the al-Ahli Arab Hospital massacre in Gaza, which claimed the lives of some 500 Palestinians.
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