Israeli Forces Launch Strikes Across Lebanon, Including Beirut
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BEIRUT — Israeli military forces carried out a series of strikes across Lebanon on Thursday, targeting locations in the capital and southern regions. The operations included an airstrike on an apartment building in the Burj Al-Barajneh neighborhood of Beirut, alongside artillery shelling and aerial bombardments in multiple southern communities.
The attacks occurred in the early hours of Thursday, March 27, 2026. The Israeli Army confirmed the operations, stating they targeted specific locations in Majdal Silm, Majdal Zoun, Yohmor Al-Shaqif, Zibqin, Al-Mansouri, Khiam, and Kfar Remman. The strike in Burj Al-Barajneh marked a significant escalation, as it took place within the capital city, where civilian density is high.
No immediate casualties were reported from the Beirut strike, though local residents described hearing multiple explosions and seeing smoke rising from the targeted apartment complex. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene shortly after the impact. In the south, the shelling and airstrikes targeted areas known for militia activity, though specific targets within those locations were not disclosed by Israeli officials.
Lebanese authorities have not yet issued a formal statement regarding the incidents. Local media outlets in Beirut and the south have broadcast footage of the aftermath, showing damage to buildings and debris scattered across streets. The Lebanese army has deployed personnel to the affected areas to assess the situation and assist with emergency response efforts.
The timing of the strikes coincides with ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, though no specific trigger for Thursday's operations has been identified. Previous exchanges of fire between the two sides have frequently occurred along the border, but strikes within Beirut remain less common. The Israeli military has not provided a detailed explanation for the specific targets or the rationale behind the coordinated attacks across multiple regions.
Residents in the southern villages reported hearing heavy artillery fire throughout the night. In Khiam and Kfar Remman, local officials stated that the shelling caused structural damage to several homes and public buildings. The Israeli military has not commented on whether the strikes were intended to degrade specific infrastructure or target personnel.
As of Thursday morning, the situation remains fluid. International observers are monitoring the developments closely, with concerns rising over potential escalation. The United Nations has called for restraint from all parties to prevent further loss of life. Questions remain regarding the immediate objectives of the Israeli military and whether additional strikes are planned. Local hospitals in Beirut and the south have placed staff on standby in anticipation of potential casualties from delayed injuries or secondary incidents.