Hezbollah says it repelled Israeli advance in southern Lebanon

Hezbollah said its fighters repelled an Israeli armoured and infantry force attempting to advance near the Ali al-Tahir Heights in southern Lebanon, claiming the troops were drawn into a “killing zone” during clashes on Friday.

According to media reports, fighters engaged the force after it entered the area, destroying three Merkava tanks with guided missiles and continuing the attack with rocket and artillery fire.

The reports said Hezbollah also detonated explosive devices against advancing Israeli armour, setting one tank on fire.

The group claimed Israeli forces had been attempting to advance on the area for six consecutive days. Hezbollah further said it targeted a second Israeli force that was trying to evacuate casualties under smoke cover, striking it with rockets and mortar shells and reporting direct hits.