Several dead after Israeli attack on Tyre

TT

Updated 16.04 | Published 09.07

 

Image from Israeli bombing of a village in southern Lebanon, seen from the city of Tyre, on June 2 this year. Photo: Mohammed Zaatari/AP/TT

The city of Tyre in southern Lebanon was attacked by Israel on Tuesday.

An evacuation alert from the Israeli army went out in the morning, but according to the state-run Lebanese news agency NNA, an attack was carried out before the alert went out. Eight people are said to have been killed.

The news agency reports that “enemy” fighter jets have launched a “heavy attack” on the city.

The Israeli military urged residents in and around the city to evacuate on Tuesday morning. AFP’s correspondent on the spot testifies that people are fleeing the city.

But the NNA says the attack took place before the warning went out. At least eight people were killed and 32 injured, according to the country's health ministry.

"Urgent warning to residents of the city of Tyre - including the Christian quarter - and the surrounding camps and neighborhoods," writes the Israeli defense's Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee on X.

"Out of concern for your safety, we urge you to evacuate your homes," he continues.

The Lebanese newspaper L'Orient-Le Jour also reported that Israeli bombs fell on the city before the evacuation order was issued.

Israel's attack on Lebanon is particularly sensitive because fighting there motivated Iran's attack on Israel on Sunday, which in turn triggered extensive exchanges of fire between the countries.