At least 5 killed in Israeli strike on Sidon

Two Israeli airstrikes targeted Tuesday the Sidon suburb of Haret Saida, killing at least five people and wounding several others.

The strike on Sidon marked the second such attack on the historic coastal city since the recent escalation between Hezbollah and Israel.

According to the National News Agency, the strikes hit an area housing displaced people that was adjacent to a Hezbollah complex called Sayyed Shohada, located a few hundred meters from a Lebanese army barracks.

The intended target of the strikes remains unclear and the number of casualties is expected to rise.

Earlier Tuesday, the Israeli military had issued evacuation orders for 16 villages in South Lebanon, instructing residents to move north of the Awali River; however there was no warning issued prior to the strikes in Sidon.

Israeli warplanes bombed several southern towns including al-Khiam, Nabatiyeh, Hanine, al-Tiri, Aita al-Shaab, Tebnine, Kfartebnit, Majdalzoun, Tayrharfa, al-Jebbayn, and Aita al-Jabal, while artillery shelled the southern border town of Rmeish.

A strike also targeted the Amal-affiliated Islamic Risala Scout Association and a dispensary in Shaqra.