DUBAI, UAE - Israel launched a ground aggression in southern Lebanon overnight, claiming to target Hezbollah infrastructure near the border, while simultaneously carrying out deadly airstrikes in Syria. 

The Israeli Military announced the start of the “Northern Arrows” operation, aimed at neutralizing an “immediate and real threat” from Hezbollah militants operating in southern Lebanon. Supported by air and artillery strikes, the operation is part of a broader military aggression on multiple fronts.

The White House expressed support for the operation, emphasizing Israel’s right to defend itself. A US National Security Council spokesperson underscored that the mission was limited in scope while cautioning against any potential expansion that could escalate tensions further.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, about the situation, with both officials agreeing on the necessity of “dismantling” Hezbollah’s capabilities to ensure that the group cannot conduct “October 7-style attacks” on northern Israel.

At least six airstrikes reportedly targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs shortly after the Israeli military warned civilians to move away from three sites they claimed were near Hezbollah facilities.

In a related escalation, Syria’s Ministry of Defense reported that Israeli airstrikes targeted several sites around Damascus in the early hours of Tuesday.

According to Syrian state media (SANA), Syrian air defenses intercepted most of the incoming missiles and drones, which were launched from the Golan Heights.

The strikes resulted in the deaths of three civilians, including prominent television anchor Safaa Ahmad, and the injury of nine others, along with significant damage to private property.

Lebanese Hezbollah and the Israeli military have been engaged in cross-border exchanges of fire for nearly a year. Violence has significantly escalated between the two sides in recent weeks, exacerbated by the killing of the Lebanese group’s chief Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike on Friday.