Tragedy in Ain Yaaqoub: Israeli Airstrike Claims Lives

An Israeli airstrike on Ain Yaaqoub, northern Lebanon, resulted in the deaths of 14 people and injuries to 15 others, including Syrian refugees. This attack is the northernmost since October 2023 hostilities began. Israeli forces claimed to target a 'military structure with a terrorist' to minimize collateral damage.

In a tragic escalation of hostilities, an Israeli airstrike in northern Lebanon's town of Ain Yaaqoub claimed at least 14 lives and injured 15 more, including several Syrian refugees. The incident, occurring on Monday, marks the farthest north Israeli forces have struck since tensions escalated in October 2023.

Local mayor Majed Drbes reported that the strike targeted a building housing 30 people, with some still trapped under the wreckage. The Israeli military stated their operation aimed at a 'military structure with a terrorist inside,' citing precise intelligence efforts to minimize civilian harm. However, they argued that claims of casualties among non-combatants were overstated.

On the same day, an Israeli raid in the Sidon District's Al-Saksakieh killed at least seven people and injured seven others, according to the Lebanese health ministry, further highlighting the rising toll of ongoing conflicts in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)