Media Reports: Israeli Drones Violated Lebanese Airspace

15 September 2023

On Thursday, two unmanned aerial vehicles from the Israeli Air Force reportedly breached Lebanese airspace and conducted reconnaissance flights over the southern border area, as reported by the Lebanon 24 news portal. The source cited is said to be from the headquarters of the Lebanese army's southern military district. These drones were observed in the skies above settlements in the Arqoub-Aabbassiyeh sector before proceeding further into Lebanese territory.

 

The command of the Republic's Armed Forces has reportedly notified the UN Interim Force in Lebanon about two violations carried out by the Israeli side. In addition to these airspace breaches, on September 11, the Israeli Air Force conducted simulated air attacks on Nabatieh and its surrounding areas, with the planes causing multiple instances of sonic booms.

 

In response, the Al Manar TV channel reported an unusual concentration of Israeli military and armored vehicles in the Hasbaiyya area. Engineering works to strengthen the border fences are ongoing in this region. The channel also highlighted the movement of military reinforcements to the border area near al-Edeisa, as well as regular drone flights over the hills in that vicinity.

 

Sources cited by Al Manar suggest that these actions are driven by concerns among Israeli commanders regarding a potential armed attack being prepared by the Shiite militia Hezbollah. In July, Hezbollah fighters conducted exercises in South Lebanon, approximately 20 kilometers from the border, during which they practiced an operation involving the capture of Israeli soldiers.

 

The most recent conflict between Hezbollah and the Israeli army occurred in the summer of 2006. A ceasefire along the border was established through UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which continues to be monitored by peacekeepers.

 

 

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Based on materials from TASS