• Source:JND

Middle East Conflict: Tensions in the Middle East continued for the sixth day on Thursday as Israeli airstrikes targeted a hotel and a residential building near the Lebanese central city of Beirut. At least 11 people were killed and several others were injured in the attack. According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, Israel has intensified its crackdown on Hezbollah, and the attacks are seen as part of the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. Meanwhile, more than 1,145 people have died in the Israeli attack on Iran till 5 pm on Wednesday (Indian time), Al Jazeera reported.

Threat Of Displacement

The conflict has now spread to Lebanon, where civilians are also caught in the crossfire of airstrikes and shelling, raising fears of a humanitarian crisis and displacement in the region.

This marks a major turning point in the escalating military conflict between Israel and Hezbollah and Iran. The clashes are no longer confined to the military front, but are also causing devastation in civilian areas. Local reports indicate displacement, a growing number of injuries, and damage assessments are ongoing.

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Drone Attacks On US Embassy

Iran increased the intensity of its attacks in Israel and also targeted the US embassy in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, with a drone strike. Explosions also occurred in Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi.

Claims Of Blowing Up Command Center

Israel and the US launched heavy airstrikes in Tehran, targeting the presidential office and the Supreme National Security Council building, airports, and the cities of Isfahan and Shiraz, which house nuclear plants. They also claimed to have destroyed the Revolutionary Guard's command center. A passenger plane at Bushehr airport was destroyed in the attack.

-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, killed in Israeli attacks, will be laid to rest in his hometown of Mashhad. The Revolutionary Guards have announced the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

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-Preparations are being accelerated to evacuate 3,500 American citizens stationed in various countries, including Israel. 130 have already been evacuated. Six American service members have been confirmed killed in the Iranian attacks so far.

-Three Indian sailors have been killed in Iran's attack on oil tankers. The Indian Embassy in Iran has advised approximately 9,000 people living in the country to evacuate to safer locations. They are advised to leave their homes only in case of emergency.

-The war has spread to Lebanon. Israel has launched a ground military operation in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran.

-The Israeli army sent additional ground troops into southern Lebanon and attacked Hezbollah positions, reportedly killing 40 people. Earlier, US President Donald Trump had hinted that a ground military operation against Iran could be launched.

-According to the New York Times, Hezbollah declared open war against Israel after the Israeli offensive began in Lebanon. Explosions rocked several cities throughout the day, including the Lebanese capital, Beirut. Israel has also launched a ground operation in Lebanon.

-Hezbollah also launched missile and drone attacks on Israel. 50 villages in Lebanon have been ordered to evacuate. The United States has closed its embassy in Beirut.

-An Iranian warship Iris Dena sank off the Sri Lanka coast in the Indian Ocean after being hit by a strike carried out by the United States military on Tuesday night. At least 80 people were killed in the strike.

3 Indian Sailors Killed In Iranian Attack On Oil Tanker

The number of Indians killed in the Iranian attack on an oil tanker docked at Muscat port in Oman has risen to three. One person has also been confirmed injured. The Directorate General of Shipping said on Tuesday that all four incidents occurred on foreign-flagged ships. The Directorate General said that the remaining crew is safe and all possible assistance is being provided to the affected sailors and their families. Round-the-clock monitoring and coordination is underway with the Indian Navy, the Ministry of External Affairs and other agencies. Advisories have also been issued for maritime operators.

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