Israeli troops advance into Lebanon as ground offensive launched

Israeli troops have advanced into Lebanon, the military has announced in a statement, as it launches an anticipated ground offensive.

Israel’s military reported early on Tuesday that its forces had begun “targeted ground raids” on villages in southern Lebanon.

The incursions, backed by air strikes and artillery, began “a few hours ago” targeting Hezbollah “in villages close to the border” with Israel, according to the statement, adding that the raids were “limited, localised and targeted” against Hezbollah.

The sounds of air strikes were heard throughout the Lebanese capital, Beirut, and smoke rose from its southern suburbs, strongholds for Hezbollah, shortly after Israel ordered residents of three buildings to evacuate.