Beirut: An Israeli military unit crossed into southern Lebanon early Wednesday, conducting searches of several homes and questioning both residents and Syrian laborers.

According to Anadolu Agency, the incursion involved about 20 Israeli infantry soldiers who advanced from the outskirts of the border town of Al-Aabbasiyyeh into the Reihana Berri area of the Al-Mari plain in the Marjayoun district. The soldiers conducted searches in both inhabited and abandoned houses, interrogating Lebanese residents and Syrian workers. Two Syrian men were taken into custody but were later released near the border.

The agency also reported that three Israeli drones flew at low altitude in a circular pattern over several southern towns, including Froun, Kfar Sir, Sir El Gharbiyeh, Qaaqaaiyet El Jisr, Yohmor, and Arnoun in the Nabatieh district. Another drone was seen flying Wednesday morning over the towns of Babliyeh, Al-Loubiyah, Saksakiyeh, and Ansariyeh in the Zahrani area, also in the Nabatieh district.

The cross-border warfare between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon escalated into a full-scale war in September 2024. Although a ceasefire was reached in November, Israeli forces have continued to launch near-daily attacks in southern Lebanon, citing Hezbollah's activities as the cause.

Lebanese authorities have reported nearly 3,000 Israeli violations of the truce, resulting in the deaths of at least 258 people and injuries to more than 562. Under the truce, Israel was supposed to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 26, but the deadline was extended to February 18 after Tel Aviv refused to comply. Israel still maintains a military presence at five border outposts.

US envoy Tom Barrack stated on Monday that the ceasefire agreement 'didn't work.'