The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Israeli fighter jets destroyed a surface-to-air missile launcher positioned by Hezbollah near Beirut international airport, in a statement on Monday (30).
According to the IDF, the launchers have a range of more than 50 kilometers and can have four simultaneous targets.
The IDF has claimed that the missile launchers are “hidden within civilian infrastructure” throughout Lebanon and “pose a threat to international airspace.” THE CNN cannot independently verify these claims.
As part of Israel’s military operations, the Israeli Air Force said it struck a number of Hezbollah infrastructure, including headquarters, storage facilities and missile launchers.
The strikes come because the US believes Israel could soon launch a more limited ground incursion into southern Lebanon than originally planned following discussions between the two countries last weekend, according to a US official.
On Monday morning, sources said Israeli special forces had carried out small raids on Lebanese territory in recent days as part of preparations for a potential Israeli ground offensive.
The Israeli army said on Monday that its soldiers are training near Israel’s northern border to strengthen defenses and are “preparing for the next phases of combat.”
Understand the war between Israel and Hezbollah
Israel has launched a series of airstrikes in areas of Lebanon. On September 23, the country had its deadliest day since the 2006 war, with more than 500 fatalities.
According to the Israeli military, the targets are members and military infrastructure of Hezbollah, one of the most powerful paramilitary forces in the Middle East and supported by Iran.
The offensive reached several points in Lebanon, including the country’s capital, Beirut. Thousands of people sought refuge in shelters and left cities in the south of the country. Furthermore, a land incursion was not ruled out.
Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, as confirmed by the group itself.
Hezbollah and Israel began exchanging attacks after the start of the war in the Gaza Strip. The Lebanese group is an ally of Hamas, which invaded Israeli territory on October 7, 2023, killing hundreds of people and capturing hostages.
Due to the bombings, thousands of residents of northern Israel, where the border with Lebanon is located, had to be displaced. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised several times to return these citizens to their homes.
On September 17, Israel added the return of these residents as an official war objective.
At least two Brazilian teenagers died in the attacks. Itamaraty condemned the situation and called for an end to hostilities. The Brazilian government is also evaluating a possible rescue mission.
This content was originally published in Israel says it destroyed Hezbollah missile launcher near Beirut airport on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil

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