Israel strikes Lebanon-Syria border crossings, accuses Hezbollah of weapons smuggling

IANS February 23, 2025 224 views

Israel has launched targeted airstrikes on Syria-Lebanon border crossings, citing Hezbollah's alleged weapons smuggling activities. The Israeli Defense Forces claim these operations are crucial for neutralizing potential security threats and maintaining regional stability. Strategic strikes focused on disrupting underground tunnels and munitions sites demonstrate Israel's commitment to preventing terrorist organizations from rebuilding military capabilities. No immediate casualties have been reported, but the attacks underscore ongoing tensions in the volatile Middle Eastern region.

"We will continue operating to neutralise threats to Israel" - IDF Spokesperson
Jerusalem, Feb 23: The Israeli military said on Saturday it conducted airstrikes targeting border crossings between Syria and Lebanon, accusing Hezbollah of using the routes to smuggle weapons into Lebanon.

Key Points

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Israel targets strategic border crossings to disrupt Hezbollah arms transfers

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Military strikes focus on preventing terrorist organization's weapon smuggling

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Attacks aimed at protecting ceasefire understandings established in November 2024

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Syrian and Lebanese territories impacted by precision Israeli airstrikes

In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed the crossings were exploited by Hezbollah "in attempts to illegally transfer arms," calling such activities "a blatant violation of the ceasefire understandings between Israel and Lebanon" effective since November 27, 2024, Xinhua news agency reported.

The IDF vowed to "continue operating to neutralise threats to Israel" and prevent Hezbollah, which it labeled a "terrorist organisation," from "rebuilding its military capabilities."

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said the Israeli strikes hit locations in Syria's rugged Qalamoun region near the Lebanese border. The monitor described the sites as historically significant for Hezbollah's alleged arms transfers from Syria to Lebanon.

No casualties or damage have been reported yet. There were no immediate official statements from Syrian or Lebanese authorities, or Hezbollah.

Earlier in February the Israeli military has launched airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in eastern and southern Lebanon.

An Israeli aircraft struck an underground tunnel used by Hezbollah for arms transfers in eastern Lebanon's Bekaa region, which extended from Syria into Lebanese territory and had previously been targeted by Israeli forces, an Israeli military spokesperson said.

The Israeli Air Force also struck sites in southern Lebanon that contained "munitions and rocket launchers that posed an imminent threat," the spokesperson added.

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