Bayan News – International media reported that on Wednesday, Israel launched heavy airstrikes on the city of Baalbek in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley following an evacuation order that prompted tens of thousands of residents to flee.
Mustafa Al-Shal, the city’s mayor, told reporters that over 20 airstrikes were reported in the Baalbek area, with five of them occurring inside the city, where an ancient Roman temple, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located.
Lebanese media also reported that diesel fuel tanks in the neighboring city of Duris were targeted.
The strikes followed an announcement by the new Secretary-General of Hezbollah, who stated that under his leadership, the group would pursue war plans against Israel and “would not plead for a ceasefire.”
Naim Qassem, who was appointed to the position the day before, said he would continue the agenda of Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed last month in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. Qassem spoke from an undisclosed location, with some reports indicating that he may have traveled to Iran.
Hezbollah Secretary-General: “We do not fight on behalf of anyone”
