BEIRUT, March 5 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army on Thursday issued an unprecedented order for residents in Beirut's southern suburbs to evacuate immediately, marking the first full evacuation of the area.
The Israeli military also warned residents not to head to southern Lebanon, saying any movement in that direction could endanger their lives, adding that they would be informed when it is safe to return to their homes.
Amid rising tensions, Lebanon's Cabinet approved measures to prevent activity by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the country, Information Minister Paul Morcos said. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam instructed authorities to prepare for the deportation of any IRGC members found in Lebanon and reinstated a visa requirement for Iranian nationals.
Israeli airstrikes continued across southern Lebanon on Thursday. From Monday to Wednesday, Lebanon's Public Health Ministry reported at least 77 dead and 527 wounded, with figures still rising.
Hezbollah said its fighters launched rocket barrages at Israeli positions, adding that clashes in Khiam, a Lebanese town along the southern border, forced Israeli troops to withdraw. The group resumed rocket attacks on Israeli targets shortly after Israel and the United States began strikes against Iran. Israel has vowed powerful retaliation against the Lebanese group, a key ally of Iran in the region. ■
