The IDF launched retaliatory strikes against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon after the terror group sent two explosive-laden drones toward Israeli troops operating in the security zone early Sunday morning.

According to the IDF, Hezbollah terrorists launched two explosive drones at troops operating in the Ali Taher Ridge area of southern Lebanon. Israeli soldiers opened fire at one of the drones and successfully intercepted it.

There were no injuries among Israeli forces.

“This constitutes a blatant violation [of the ceasefire] by the Hezbollah terror organization,” the IDF said.

The military said it subsequently began carrying out strikes in southern Lebanon in response to the attack.

As the strikes got underway, the IDF issued an “urgent warning” to residents of the southern Lebanese town of Arab Salim, ordering civilians to evacuate a building identified by the military as Hezbollah infrastructure, as well as the surrounding area.

Lt. Col. Ella Waweya, the IDF’s Arabic-language spokeswoman, said the warning was being issued “following the blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement by the Hezbollah terror organization, after it launched an explosive-laden drone toward IDF troops.”

Residents were instructed to move at least 300 meters away from the targeted building.

The evacuation warning was notable because such warnings have become relatively rare in recent weeks, with the previous one issued approximately a month ago.

The IDF said its forces will continue operating in the security zone to eliminate threats to Israeli civilians and troops, and vowed to respond forcefully to Hezbollah’s repeated attempts to attack Israeli forces.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)