Clashes between the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah were reported in southern Lebanon amid the widening regional war.
Reports on Saturday indicated that Hezbollah foiled a possible Israeli landing operation in the eastern mountains near the Lebanese-Syrian border. Sources said that while a small group of paratroopers attempted to enter the town of Nabi Chit, they encountered fierce resistance from Hezbollah fighters.
The fate of the Israeli commandos remains unknown, as Hezbollah reportedly took control of the area.
Israel’s signals remain clear that it seeks to expand the war to neighbouring countries, given that Iran — Hezbollah’s primary backer — is engaged in direct conflict with the United States.
Meanwhile, in a related development, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed speculations that Russia and China are providing intelligence to Iran on US positions and naval movements in the region.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Hegseth said President Donald Trump is “well aware of who he is talking to” and that the US is “tracking everything”.
“And anything that shouldn’t be happening, whether it’s in public or back-channelled, is being confronted and confronted strongly,” Hegseth said.
Speculation about Chinese and Russian assistance to Iran emerged on Thursday after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted American bases across the Middle East with pinpoint accuracy, alongside attacks on CIA officials and personnel in Dubai, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
While the United States has reported limited casualties in these attacks, experts suggest the actual numbers could be significantly higher, as the Trump administration faces intense domestic pressure.
Also read: Trump rules out deal with Iran unless 'unconditional surrender'
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