Israeli Strike Reported in Southern Lebanon's Khirbet Selm
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BEIRUT — An Israeli airstrike hit the village of Khirbet Selm in southern Lebanon early Thursday, marking a new escalation in the ongoing conflict along the border.
The strike occurred at approximately 5:49 a.m. local time, according to local witnesses and emergency responders. Explosions were heard throughout the area, followed by smoke rising from the village. Emergency services rushed to the scene to assess damage and treat the injured.
Khirbet Selm, a small settlement located in the southern Lebanese governorate, has been a focal point of recent military activity. The area has seen increased Israeli surveillance and occasional skirmishes in recent months as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have remained high.
Israeli officials have not yet issued a formal statement regarding the strike. The Israel Defense Forces typically do not comment on specific operations in real time, citing security concerns. However, past strikes in the region have been attributed to efforts to degrade Hezbollah's military infrastructure and prevent cross-border attacks.
Lebanese authorities condemned the attack, calling it a violation of Lebanese sovereignty. The country's interior ministry stated that the strike caused damage to civilian infrastructure and called for an immediate investigation. Local residents described the scene as chaotic, with debris scattered across the village and several homes damaged.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has deployed peacekeepers to the area to monitor the situation. A UNIFIL spokesperson said the force is assessing the impact of the strike and coordinating with local authorities to ensure safety.
No casualties have been officially confirmed, though local hospitals reported receiving several patients with minor injuries. Medical teams are still searching for survivors in the rubble of damaged buildings.
The strike comes amid heightened tensions in the region. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict have stalled, with both sides maintaining strong military postures. The United States and European Union have called for restraint, urging both parties to avoid actions that could lead to a wider war.
As of Thursday afternoon, the situation in Khirbet Selm remains tense. Residents are hesitant to return to their homes, and the area is under heavy military surveillance. The cause and intent behind the strike remain unclear, with no official claims of responsibility from either side.
The international community is watching closely as the situation develops. Further strikes or retaliatory actions could trigger a broader conflict, raising concerns among regional leaders and global powers alike.