Israeli attacks in Lebanon continued for a fourth consecutive day on Thursday, with ground forces entering several border towns and conducting airstrikes targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah positions. According to AFP footage from Beirut, smoke was seen rising from Hezbollah’s stronghold in southern Beirut after early morning strikes. Before the assault, the Israeli military had warned residents to evacuate, citing planned operations against Hezbollah-linked targets. Sirens were repeatedly sounded in northern Israel, urging civilians to seek shelter, though no immediate casualties or damage were reported.

The escalation follows the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint U.S.-Israeli strikes late last week. In retaliation, Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel on Monday, drawing Lebanon deeper into the regional conflict. Hezbollah’s deputy leader Naim Qassem vowed in a Wednesday speech to intensify operations, claiming at least 15 attacks across Israel, including in Tel Aviv.

Lebanese government figures indicate at least 72 people have been killed and 437 injured since Monday, with around 83,000 displaced from their homes.