Israeli artillery shells southern Lebanon as authorities warn of cluster bombs, landmines

Several areas of southern Lebanon came under Israeli artillery and heavy machine-gun fire Monday amid Lebanese warnings for residents against entering olive groves over fears of cluster bombs and landmines. Lebanon’s official news agency NNA reported that artillery shelling overnight targeted the Al-Araish area in Haris, Wadi al-Salouqi, and the outskirts of Shaqra, Kfar Tebnit and Wadi Zibqin in the country’s south. Israeli forces also opened heavy machine-gun fire toward an area between Kfar Tebnit and Zawtar al-Sharqiya, as well as Wadi al-Hujeir toward the town of Ghandourieh in Nabatieh province, the agency said. Artillery fire also targeted Mansouri in Tyre district as well as areas around Yater and valleys near Beit Lif and Srebbine in Bint Jbeil. Separately, local authorities in the towns of Froun and Yater in Bint Jbeil warned residents against entering olive groves before consulting the relevant authorities because of the possible presence of cluster bombs and landmines left by previous Israeli attacks. The warnings came after a man was killed in Froun when a landmine exploded as he inspected his olive grove, according to NNA. Another man was killed in Yater after being directly targeted by Israeli forces, the agency said. The developments come amid continued Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2, which have killed 4,386 people and injured 12,413 others, according to Lebanese authorities. On June 26, Beirut and Tel Aviv signed a US-sponsored framework agreement providing for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and the deployment of the Lebanese army in those areas. ​​​​​​​Despite the agreement, Israel has continued attacks on southern Lebanon and remains in control of areas there, some occupied for decades and others seized during recent wars and military operations.