Sidon: The Israeli army announced on Tuesday that it had killed three Hezbollah members in a recent strike near Sidon, a city in southern Lebanon. The strike reportedly occurred a day earlier and targeted a vehicle, leading to significant tensions in the already fragile region.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Israeli army released a statement asserting that one of the killed Hezbollah members was involved with Lebanese intelligence. This claim has been met with skepticism and denial from Lebanese authorities.

In response, the Lebanese army mourned the loss of First Sergeant Ali Abdullah, identifying him as a victim of the Israeli strike. The Lebanese military strongly refuted the Israeli claims about Abdullah's affiliation, labeling them as "false and misleading information." The Lebanese army urged the public to remain vigilant and not be swayed by reports that could undermine confidence in the army during this critical period.

Lebanon's state news agency, NNA, corroborated the incident by reporting the deaths of three individuals due to the Israeli strike on the Aqtnit-Quneitra road in Sidon. However, Hezbollah has yet to comment on the situation, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the incident.

The backdrop to this latest escalation includes a fragile ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Lebanon in November 2024, following over a year of cross-border attacks linked to the conflict in Gaza. The prolonged violence resulted in over 4,000 fatalities and more than 17,000 injuries.

Despite the ceasefire terms, which required Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon by January, a partial military presence remains, with Israeli troops stationed at five border outposts. This incomplete withdrawal continues to be a point of contention between the two nations.