Israeli airstrikes targeted Baalbek, a historic city in eastern Lebanon, prompting widespread evacuations. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued an alert for all residents to leave the city, including the surrounding area, due to intensified strikes against Hezbollah. The evacuation warning also extended to Baalbek’s notable Roman temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Following the evacuation orders, residents hurriedly left the city, with footage showing congested roads as people sought safety outside the conflict zone. Some videos captured scenes of airstrikes, resonating with the sounds of explosions and distress from families who remained in the area.

In response to the situation, the local governor, Bachir Khodr, used social media to advise residents against seeking shelter within the Roman temple complex. Instead, he recommended alternative safe zones: the town of Arsal, approximately 30 kilometers away, or locations within the North Governorate.

Israel stated that the airstrikes aimed to disrupt fuel depots allegedly used for transferring weapons and artillery from Iran, though no evidence was presented to substantiate these claims. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department urged Israel to consider the protection of civilian infrastructure and cultural heritage sites.

The bombardment around Baalbek led to over 60 fatalities across nearby towns, marking one of the region’s deadliest days in recent years. Israel reiterated its stance on targeting locations allegedly facilitating weapon transfers, although further details on these operations were not disclosed.