Israeli army tells residents south of Beirut to evacuate ahead of attack

The Israeli army on Thursday issued another evacuation order to residents in a southern suburb of Beirut in preparation for attacks on what it says are Hezbollah facilities.

In a statement, army spokesman Avichay Adraee ordered people in the areas of Chouaifet El-Aamroussieh and Ghobeiry to leave and distance themselves at least 500 meters (1,640 feet) from several buildings in a number of areas.

Adraee attached a map of the targeted buildings, saying it will “act forcefully” against what it called Hezbollah assets and interests in the area.

The Israeli army has repeatedly issued evacuation orders for civilians in several areas across Lebanon since the start of its air campaign on the country in September.

Israel has carried out airstrikes in Lebanon against what it claims are Hezbollah group targets in an escalation from a year of cross-border warfare between Israel and the Lebanese group since the Oct. 7, 2023 start of Israel's brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip.

More than 3,360 people have been killed, over 14,300 injured, and more than 1 million people displaced by Israeli attacks since last October, according to Lebanese health authorities.

Israel expanded the conflict by launching an incursion into southern Lebanon this Oct. 1.