Israel strikes targets in Lebanon ahead of key disarmament talks
Israeli air force launched a series of strikes on Tuesday night in southern and eastern Lebanon, including the coastal city of Sidon, which is the country's third largest. One of the airstrikes at around 01:00 destroyed a three-storey commercial building in the city's business district. This was reported by The Public with reference to AP.
The attacks took place a few days before the Lebanese army commander was scheduled to report to the government on the mission to disarm militants along the border with Israel. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the strikes contradicted international efforts to de-escalate and Beirut's plans to reassert state control over areas long under the influence of the groups.
According to the Associated Press, the building was non-residential and was located among workshops and car mechanics. At least one person was taken to hospital, and there is no information about the deaths.
Israeli army said the targets were weapons depots and infrastructure of the Hezbollah and Hamas. The military acknowledged that the facilities were located in civilian areas, putting the blame on the groups themselves.
Photo: AP.