30 rocket launchers, 150 nests hit: Footage shows Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon
Beirut: The Israeli military has conducted extensive airstrikes against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. This operation targeted approximately 30 rocket launchers and 150 infrastructure sites, including military buildings and a weapons warehouse.
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that the airstrikes were executed under the direction of IDF intelligence, aimed at neutralizing threats posed by Hezbollah. They said that these strikes were necessary to protect Israeli territory.
For the first time since the conflict's escalation, the IDF has instructed residents in northern Israel to limit their movements and stay close to protected areas.
The strikes follow a declaration by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who warned that "retribution will come" in response to recent Israeli attacks that caused significant casualties among Hezbollah members. He stated that Israel had crossed a "red line" with its actions, particularly targeting communication devices used by Hezbollah.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant asserted that Hezbollah would "pay an increasing price" as Israel seeks to ensure the safety of its northern communities. The US State Department has advised American citizens in Lebanon to maintain a low profile and reconsider travel to the country amidst the escalating violence.
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South African police arrest suspect in mass shooting that killed 12, including 3 children
Johannesburg (AP): A 32-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with a mass shooting which claimed the lives of 12 people including three children at an unlicensed pub earlier this month, South African police said on Monday.
The man is suspected of being one of the three people who opened fire on patrons in a pub at Saulsville township, west of South Africa's capital Pretoria, killing 12 people including three children aged 3, 12 and 16.
At least 13 people were also injured during the attack, whose motive remains unknown.
According to the police, the suspect was arrested on Sunday while traveling to Botlokwa in Limpopo province, more than 340 km from where the mass shooting took place on Dec 6.
An unlicensed firearm believed to have been used during the attack was recovered from the suspect's vehicle.
“The 32-year-old suspect was intercepted by Limpopo Tracking Team on the R101 Road in Westenburg precinct. During the arrest, the team recovered an unlicensed firearm, a hand gun, believed to have been used in the commission of the multiple murders. The firearm will be taken to the Forensic Science Laboratory for ballistic analysis,” police said in statement.
The suspect was arrested on the same day that another mass shooting at a pub took place in the Bekkersdal township, west of Johannesburg, in which nine people were killed and 10 wounded when unknown gunmen opened fire on patrons.
Police have since launched a search for the suspects.
South Africa has one of the highest homicide rates in the world and recorded more than 26,000 homicides in 2024 — an average of more than 70 a day. Firearms are by far the leading cause of death in homicides.
The country of 62 million people has relatively strict gun ownership laws, but many killings are committed with illegal guns, according to authorities.
According to police, mass shootings at unlicensed bars are becoming a serious problem. Police shut down more than 11,000 illegal taverns between April and September this year and arrested more than 18,000 people for involvement in illegal liquor sales.
