Tel aviv: The Israeli army announced on Tuesday that its forces have initiated a ground incursion into southern Lebanon. The objective of this operation is to establish a 'security zone,' with Israeli troops now positioned at strategic points in the area.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Israeli army described the incursion as a 'forward defense operation for the northern towns.' The army stated that the 91st Division is actively operating in southern Lebanon, strategically positioning itself to bolster the region's defense system.

The primary goal of this operation is to provide an additional security layer for the northern Israeli population. This involves conducting extensive strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure to thwart any potential infiltration attempts into Israel.

On the same day, Hezbollah asserted that it had targeted three military bases in northern Israel and the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights using rockets and drones.

This escalation in the region coincides with ongoing large-scale attacks by the US and Israel on Iran since Saturday. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other military officials.

In retaliation, Tehran has launched drone and missile strikes against Israel and Gulf countries that host US assets.