Ankara: The Israeli army launched airstrikes on Lebanon, claiming the action was a response to the deployment of two explosive drones targeting its forces stationed in the southern part of the country. This development unfolds amid ongoing tensions and a recent US-mediated agreement aimed at easing hostilities between the two nations.

According to Anadolu Agency, Israeli Channel 12 reported the airstrikes took place at 1225 GMT following the nighttime launch of the drones. The Israeli army confirmed in a statement that Hezbollah was responsible for launching the drones toward Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers operating near the Ali-Taher Ridge within the Security Zone of southern Lebanon. The army further detailed that soldiers managed to down one drone, while contact was lost with the second, and no injuries were reported.

Hezbollah has not yet issued a response to the Israeli army's claims. Meanwhile, Lebanon's National News Agency reported additional strikes by Israeli drones on Nabatieh al-Fawqa in southern Lebanon's Nabatieh governorate. The agency also noted Israeli warplanes targeted Arab Salim in the Iqlim al-Tuffah area, resulting in injuries, and further reported artillery shelling in several towns.

The airstrikes occurred as Israeli forces, supported by tanks and military bulldozers, advanced near the town of Mais al-Jabal in the Marjayoun district. Earlier, Israeli warplanes targeted multiple buildings in Mansouri, with explosions also reported in Tyre and its surrounding areas.

The recent hostilities arise despite a framework agreement brokered by the United States in June, which sought to de-escalate tensions by arranging a phased Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories in exchange for Lebanese army deployment and the disarmament of armed groups.