Israeli Strikes Target Convoy On Syrian-Lebanese Border, Injuring One

In a series of escalating attacks, Israel launched airstrikes on a convoy of trucks entering Lebanon from Syria late Friday, a source close to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah reported. The strikes, which occurred in the Hawsh el-Sayyed Ali area, injured one Syrian driver.

The source revealed that “three Israeli strikes targeted a convoy of tanker trucks on the Syrian-Lebanese border,” marking the latest in a sequence of Israeli actions in the region.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, also reported the strikes. According to their sources, the attacks targeted an area near a border crossing frequently used by Hezbollah for moving trucks and personnel between Lebanon and Syria. Specific targets included a truck convoy and a farm on the outskirts of Qusayr in Homs province.

Hezbollah, which has a significant presence on both sides of the eastern Lebanese-Syrian border, supports the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The group has been engaged in almost daily exchanges of fire with Israeli forces since Hamas, a Palestinian ally, launched an attack on Israel on October 7, igniting the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Despite a temporary reduction in their assaults following the deaths of their military chief Fuad Shukr in Beirut and Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran earlier in the week, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for five attacks on Israeli military positions near the border on Friday.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, addressing Shukr’s funeral, warned of inevitable retaliation, stating that Israel and its supporters must “await our inevitable response” to the assassinations.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah since October has resulted in significant casualties. On the Lebanese side, at least 542 people, mostly fighters but also including 114 civilians, have died, according to an AFP tally. The Israeli side has reported 22 soldiers and 25 civilian deaths, including in the annexed Golan Heights.

As tensions remain high, the region braces for further escalations amid ongoing hostilities.