Israeli forces advanced deeper into southern Lebanon on Wednesday as heavy airstrikes and ground operations continued across the country, raising fears of a further escalation in the conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Lebanon's state news agency NNA reported dozens of Israeli attacks on areas in the south and east of the country. Initial reports indicated at least 13 people were killed.
In the southern coastal city of Sidon, a drone strike on a vehicle killed two people, according to NNA.
Fighting also continued around the strategically important Beaufort Castle, which Israeli troops captured about a week ago. Lebanese media reported that Israeli attack helicopters targeted Hezbollah fighters near the hilltop fortress with machine-gun fire.
Hezbollah, in turn, claimed responsibility for several attacks on Israeli positions in southern Lebanon.
According to Lebanese security sources, Israeli troops have advanced to the immediate vicinity of Nabatiyeh, one of southern Lebanon's main economic centres.
The sources said Israeli forces are now only a few kilometres from the city centre and appear to be preparing to advance further.
Separately, local officials in the border town of Kfar Shouba accused Israeli forces of abducting two municipal workers.
Mayor Qassem al-Qadri told dpa that an Israeli patrol detained municipal council member Mohammad Hassan al-Hajj and municipal employee Ahmad Salah Diab while they were operating a water pumping station on the outskirts of the town.
The Israeli army said in response to an inquiry that the two men had approached Israeli soldiers. To ensure they posed no threat, they were detained and taken to Israel for questioning, an Israeli army spokesman said.
He added that if no suspicion arose against either of them, they would be released.
