Beirut, 12 November 2024 (dpa/MIA) - At least twelve heavy airstrikes have hit areas known to be Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut's southern suburbs, security sources and eyewitnesses said.

The strikes came after an Israeli army spokesman sent a warning on the social media platform X to evacuate areas in Beirut's southern suburbs. 

They hit Haret Hreik, Ghobeiri, al Hadath, Beir al Abed and Lailaki.

The airstrikes caused panic among the population, as many people usually go in the morning to check on their houses in the southern suburbs.

People were seen jumping on motorbikes and speeding away by car to leave the area when the warnings came in.

Black plumes of smoke covered the targeted areas. According to Lebanese security sources, one building was levelled to the ground in the Beir al-Abed neighboorhood. 

The strikes also caused panic at schools near Beirut's southern suburbs, as parents rushed to get their children. 

Videos on social media showed pupils screaming inside a classroom while using their phones to film the black smoke, as Israeli planes raided the nearby southern suburbs.

The sound of the airstrikes echoed throughout the Lebanese capital and the overlooking areas of Mount Lebanon.

The southern suburbs had experienced a cautious calm for the past two days. Security sources said Tuesday's attack was the heaviest daytime airstrike on the area this month.  

It came after the Shiite militant Hezbollah organization claimed two attacks in northern Israel and Haifa.

The Israeli army said that the drone attack had triggered air raid sirens in Haifa, Acre and other areas.

One drone that crossed from Lebanon was identified as falling in the area of Nesher, the Israeli military said, adding that for now, no injuries have been reported.

Since September, Israel's military has massively expanded its attacks in Lebanon, where it says it is fighting the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia. Fighter planes have bombed targets across the country and frequently in the suburbs south of Beirut.

Photo: EPA