Israel launched a massive strike on Lebanon

Illustrative photo from open sources

On Thursday evening, September 19, Israeli forces launched one of the most powerful strikes on Lebanon this year.

The Israeli military said that during the operation, its fighter jets hit about 100 multiple launch rocket systems in southern Lebanon that were aimed at Israel.

There were no reports of casualties. According to the Lebanese state news agency NNA, more than 52 strikes were carried out in southern Lebanon after 9:00 p.m. local time, Voice of America reports.

Britain has called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, while the United States said it was “fearful and concerned about a potential escalation,” White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said.

Earlier on Thursday, September 19, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah acknowledged that the bombing of pagers and other communications devices belonging to the group's members earlier this week had dealt a “serious blow,” saying Israel had crossed a “red line” in carrying out the operation.

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At least 32 people were killed and 3,000 wounded in the attacks. Unsuspecting Hezbollah fighters and others received pagers and tried to talk on walkie-talkies, only to have them explode in their hands.

The attacks, using pagers and other devices, are believed to have been carried out by Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, although Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement.

“Yes, we have been dealt a huge and serious blow,” Nasrallah said. “The enemy has crossed all boundaries and red lines.”.

As usual, Nasrallah spoke via video link from an undisclosed location. Iran-backed Hezbollah usually held a rally so that supporters could watch his speech on a big screen, but decided against it this time.

Because of the scale of the destruction caused by the attacks, Lebanon has banned passengers flying out of Beirut International Airport from carrying pagers or walkie-talkies on board – either in checked or carry-on luggage.

Prepared by: Sergey Daga