Israeli forces strike Lebanese territory in huge escalation of on-going conflict

09 October 2023 , 14:08

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A plume of smoke rises in the sky of Gaza City during a separate Israeli airstrike (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

The war in Israel and Palestine has spread cross-border as the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) says it is conducting strikes inside Lebanese territory.

"Initial report - IDF helicopters are currently striking in Lebanese territory," it said in a statement released on Telegram. It said details would follow but provided no more information.

This comes after a number of reports of firefights on the border with Lebanon, with the IDF claiming it had killed "a number" of "infiltrators." Israel's forces did not name any actors but it is thought they would be implying the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.

"A report was received regarding the infiltration of a number of suspects into Israeli territory from Lebanese territory," the military said in a statement. "IDF soldiers are deployed in the area." Later, the IDF shared a statement on Twitter, saying that its troops had "neutralized a number of terrorist infiltrators who crossed from Lebanon into Israel. We are defending our country and stand ready on all borders." Other reports said the IDF had killed two militants.

The Times of Israel reported that residents of a number of towns in the area have been told to remain inside. Footage shared on social media by a reporter for the Hezbollah-tied Al-Manar channel showed smoke rising into the sky and gunshots ringing out after reported rocket strikes. The gun battle took place close to Dhayra, a village in southern Lebanon.

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We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video in this breaking news story.

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Rachel Hagan