Israel strikes hits south Beirut after military evacuation order

Displaced children arrive at a shelter set up at a school in Beirut, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, on October 15, 2024. Photo courtesy: Reuters

attacks in south beirut On Wednesday (October 16, 2024), an AFP journalist observed, less than an hour after Israeli forces ordered residents to leave part of the Lebanese capital.

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Following the first attack, black smoke began billowing from buildings in Haret Hareik, prompting Israeli military spokesman Avichai Adrai to ask people to leave the area.

Moments later an AFP journalist witnessed a second attack in south Beirut.

“You are located near Hezbollah-affiliated facilities and interests, against which the IDF (Israeli forces) will operate in the near future,” Edrai wrote in Arabic on X before the attack, addressing Haret Hreik residents.

Israeli forces have repeatedly bombed south Beirut in recent weeks, as well as carrying out deadly attacks on the capital and elsewhere across Lebanon.

At least 1,356 people have been killed in Lebanon since Israel stepped up bombing last month, according to an AFP tally of Lebanese health ministry figures, although the actual toll is likely higher.