In an update on the Lebanon invasion, the IDF states that 440 Hezbollah members have been killed, intensifying concerns over the ongoing conflict. Learn more about the latest developments in the region.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) states that it has killed 440 Hezbollah members since the ground operation in Lebanon began earlier this month.

On Tuesday, the IDF revealed that it had conducted “limited ground raids” in southern Lebanon after several weeks of airstrikes aimed at high-ranking Hezbollah members. These attacks resulted in the deaths of more than a dozen leaders within the pro-Palestinian group, including their long-standing leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

“We are advancing Hezbollah towards the north,” stated IDF spokesman Brigadier General Daniel Hagri on Saturday. “Since the start of this operation, we have eliminated around 440 terrorists, including 30 commanding officers.”

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According to the IDF, over 130 projectiles were launched into Israel by the group throughout Saturday. In response, the Israeli Air Force conducted a series of strikes on Lebanon’s capital overnight.

In the meantime, Hezbollah announced that it had blocked an Israeli incursion into the border city of Odaisseh on Saturday, as reported by Lebanon’s National News Agency.

Earlier this week, the IDF reported its initial casualties in the ground operation following media coverage of intense combat. According to a statement on Wednesday, eight Israeli commandos lost their lives in two distinct firefights.

Since the conflict in Gaza erupted almost a year ago following a deadly Hamas raid into Israeli territory, Hezbollah and Israel have frequently exchanged fire. The Lebanese armed group has pledged to persist in its attacks on Israel until a ceasefire is established in Gaza.

According to the Lebanese Health Ministry on Wednesday, Israeli strikes have resulted in the deaths of over 2,000 people in Lebanon since last October.