In a significant escalation of military operations, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Sunday that its troops have captured a strategic castle in southern Lebanon. The operation marks the deepest incursion by Israeli forces into Lebanese territory in 26 years, according to reports from state-owned Kan TV News and Channel 12 News.
The IDF confirmed that ground forces successfully entered the Beaufort Ridge and Wadi Saluki area. A photograph released by Israeli broadcasters depicts the Israeli flag flying atop the ancient fortress, symbolizing the seizure of the ridge's summit.
According to the IDF, this offensive is a calculated move to dismantle Hezbollah's military infrastructure and eliminate militants. The primary objective is to neutralize direct threats targeting communities in the Galilee Panhandle and the northern border town of Metula. The military stated that the ridge had been utilized by Hezbollah to coordinate attacks against Israel, prompting the targeted strikes on launch infrastructure in the region.
The operation was executed through a coordinated multi-phase approach. Before ground troops moved in, the Israeli air force conducted extensive strikes on Hezbollah targets, supported by heavy artillery and tank fire. Once the perimeter was softened, troops secured key positions and destroyed military infrastructure within the Litani River area, while engineering teams provided necessary support for the mission.
However, the operation has not been without cost. In a separate statement, the IDF reported that an Israeli soldier was killed on Saturday night. The casualty occurred when an explosive drone launched by Hezbollah struck Israeli forces operating west of the Beaufort area.
The military maintains that the current deployment of substantial ground forces is part of a broader effort to strengthen operational control in southern Lebanon and ensure the security of its northern borders.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
