Beirut (Lebanon), May 20 (H.S.): At least 15 people were killed in fresh Israeli airstrikes targeting southern Lebanon, as Israel issued immediate evacuation orders for 12 villages in the region. Despite the military ceasefire agreement reached between Lebanon and Israel on April 16, intense hostilities involving Hezbollah in southern Lebanon continue unabated. Some media organisations, citing unconfirmed sources, have reported the death toll to be as high as 19.

According to a report published by Lebanese newspaper L'Orient Today, Israel on Tuesday intensified its military operations while ordering the evacuation of 12 villages in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley. Among the affected areas is the strategically significant village of Nabatieh Tahta in southern Lebanon.

The report stated that four people, including two women, were killed in an Israeli strike on Kfar Sir. The deceased were identified as Safiya Badr al-Din, Ali Najih Kamiha, Najihah Kamiha and Ahmed al-Sabline.

In Deir Qanoun al-Nahr, Israeli forces reportedly targeted a house located near the town hall. Seven people, including four children, were killed in the attack. According to municipal council president Ali Qussair, the targeted building belonged to a large family. Search and rescue operations are still underway to locate three individuals believed to be trapped beneath the rubble.

In another Israeli drone strike on Harouf in the Nabatieh district, at least one person was killed near the municipal headquarters. The victim was identified as Nasser Nasser, a member of the village municipal council.

An additional strike on Froun in the Bint Jbeil district also resulted in one fatality. Separately, another drone strike killed a motorcyclist in the region.

At least one more person was reported killed in an attack on Nabatieh.

Meanwhile, at around 2 p.m., Israeli soldiers reportedly detained seven individuals from the outskirts of Kfar Hammam and Kfar Shouba in the Hasbaya region. According to Lebanon’s Civil Defense authorities, four of those detained were Syrian labourers who were later released. However, three Lebanese civilians remain in custody, officials said.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar