The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said today that it completed the largest coordinated strike in Lebanon since the war began, claiming it targeted more than 100 command centers and military sites of the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.
CNN’s team on the ground in Beirut just witnessed multiple airstrikes on the Lebanese capital.
“Most of the infrastructure that was struck was located within the heart of the civilian population, as part of Hezbollah’s cynical exploitation of Lebanese civilians as human shields in order to safeguard its operations,” the statement said.
It added that “the IDF continues to operate decisively against Hezbollah and will not allow harm to be done to the civilians of the State of Israel,” which comes after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said earlier that the ceasefire with Iran did not include Lebanon.
CNN has reviewed video of several of the strikes to verify their locations. Airstrikes targeted at least three areas in central Beirut, including a strike that hit close to the central seaside promenade.
For context: At least 1,530 people have been killed in Lebanon, including 130 children, and thousands more have been wounded since the Israeli bombardment began, Lebanon’s health ministry said in its latest update.
This post has been updated with additional developments. CNN’s Allegra Goodwin and Billy Stockwell contributed reporting.
