Tel aviv: The Israeli army announced Monday that its troops have begun limited and targeted ground operations against Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon.

According to Anadolu Agency, forces from the 91st Division initiated these operations to 'strengthen' the forward defense zone along Israel's northern border, as communicated through US social media platform X. The military clarified that these activities are part of 'broader defensive efforts' intended to establish and reinforce a forward defensive posture.

The operations aim to dismantle the Lebanese group Hezbollah's infrastructure and neutralize its members active in the area. This initiative is intended to eliminate threats and enhance security for residents of northern Israel. Prior to the ground operations, Israeli forces launched artillery and airstrikes targeting numerous Hezbollah positions, executed by the Israeli Air Force, to mitigate risks in the operational environment.

The military emphasized that it will persist in its actions against Hezbollah, accusing the group of engaging in hostilities under the sponsorship of Iran's government.