Israel conducted an airstrike on the Lebanese capital Beirut on Friday (April 3rd), targeting infrastructure of the Hezbollah militants. At the same time, the United States warned that as the Middle East conflict escalates, Iran may target universities in Lebanon.
Israel has frequently targeted Beirut, particularly the southern suburbs controlled by Hezbollah. Earlier on Friday, the Israeli military asked residents to evacuate from seven neighborhoods in the southern suburbs of Beirut, warning of imminent airstrikes.
Lebanese media reported that Israel’s attack hit the southern suburbs of Beirut. Reports on property damage and casualties have not been released yet.
The Israeli military stated that they are targeting “terrorist infrastructure in Beirut,” but did not provide detailed information.
Israel has mentioned its intention to expand a military “buffer zone” to the Litani River to ensure the safety of residents in northern Israel.
Since the start of the war, over one million people have fled southern Lebanon and other areas.
This week, Iran threatened to target American universities in the Middle East. For safety reasons, the American University of Beirut has transitioned to online classes on Monday and Tuesday.
On Friday, the US Embassy in Beirut warned, “Iran and its supported terrorist armed groups may intend to target universities in Lebanon.”
The embassy reiterated its warning for American citizens to leave the country.
Last week, Reuters reported, citing sources, that over 400 Hezbollah militants have been killed since Israel’s operation began on March 2nd.
During the same period, at least 10 Israeli soldiers have died in southern Lebanon, according to the Israeli military.
Also on Friday, a spokesperson for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) stated that an explosion occurred in a UN base near the Israeli border in southern Lebanon, injuring three UN peacekeepers, two of whom are in serious condition. UNIFIL did not assign blame to either Israel or Hezbollah for the incident.
The Israeli military stated that the explosion was caused by a rocket fired by Hezbollah. Neither Hezbollah nor Lebanese authorities have immediately commented on the incident.
*(This article is based on a report from Reuters)*