Israel issues evacuation orders in Beirut suburbs, southern Lebanon

ISTANBUL

The Israeli army issued on Friday fresh evacuation orders to residents in two areas of Beirut's southern suburbs and five villages in southern Lebanon.

In separate statements, Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee posted maps highlighting targeted buildings and areas marked in red.

Adraee ordered residents in the southern suburbs of Beirut, specifically in the areas of Haret Hreik and Hadath, to vacate their buildings and neighboring areas immediately.

He claimed that the targeted zones housed "facilities and interests associated with Hezbollah" and warned of forthcoming Israeli military actions.

“Evacuate these buildings and maintain a distance of at least 500 meters (1,640 feet)," the spokesperson noted.

The Israeli army also issued evacuation orders to residents of five villages in southern Lebanon: Taybeh, Aadchit Al Qusayr, Deir Seryan, Burj Al Shemali, and Maachouk.

Adraee ordered them to leave their homes immediately and relocate north of the Awali River.

Israel has engaged in cross-border warfare with Lebanon, launching an air campaign in late September against what it claims are Hezbollah targets.

Nearly 3,600 people have been killed by Israeli attacks in Lebanon, with more than 5,000 injured and over 1 million displaced since last October, according to Lebanese health authorities.

Tel Aviv expanded the conflict by launching a ground assault into southern Lebanon on Oct. 1.

* Writing by Ikram Kouachi