Beirut: An Israeli soldier was 'severely injured' after mortar fire was launched from Lebanon toward Israeli troops, the military said Thursday. A military statement reported that the soldier was wounded on Wednesday during the attack and was evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment. The family of the soldier has been notified about the incident. However, no further details were provided on the circumstances of the incident.

According to Anadolu Agency, Israel has responded to the attack by pounding Lebanon with airstrikes and launching a ground offensive in southern Lebanon. This military action follows a cross-border attack by the Hezbollah group on March 2. Lebanese authorities have reported that at least 1,094 people have been killed and 3,119 injured in Israeli attacks since the escalation began.

The current escalation is part of a larger conflict that has intensified amid a joint US-Israeli offensive on Iran, which has resulted in over 1,340 deaths since February 28. In retaliation, Iran has carried out drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries, stating that the strikes are directed at US military assets.