On October 14th, in Aitou, northern Lebanon, Lebanese soldiers were seen near vehicles destroyed by Israeli airstrikes. Reports from both Lebanon’s health ministry and state media indicate that Israel launched an airstrike today in a predominantly Christian area of northern Lebanon. According to the Lebanese Red Cross, the attack resulted in 18 fatalities. This location is significantly distant from the stronghold of Hezbollah, the armed political group in Lebanon.
The Associated Press reported that the Lebanese Red Cross confirmed, “Eighteen people died and four were injured in the strike in Aitou.” Aitou is a village located within the Zgharta district, which has a Christian majority.
Earlier, the Lebanese health ministry stated that an Israeli airstrike in the area resulted in nine deaths. The National News Agency, Lebanon’s official media, also reported that the airstrike targeted a residential apartment building in Aitou.
A photographer from the Associated Press at the scene described the attack as having flattened a residential building near the village’s entrance.
Israeli strikes have predominantly focused on areas with majority Shiite Muslim populations, where Hezbollah has established its power base.
On October 12th, the Lebanese health ministry reported another airstrike in Deir Billa, approximately 15 kilometers from the coastal town of Batroun, resulting in two deaths and four injuries.
