ALBAWABA - Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee ordered on Wednesday residents in Baalbek and its surroundings in southern Lebanon to immediately evacuate.
According to the Israeli spokesperson, the evacuation order came as the Israeli army was planning to target 'Hezbollah facilities'.
Adraee issued a warning to the residents of Baalbek: "Urgent, urgent warning to the residents of Baalbek, Ain Bourday and Douris. The IDF will act forcefully against Hezbollah’s interests within your city and villages and does not intend to harm you."
The statement also reads: "For your safety, you must evacuate your homes immediately and move outside the city and villages via the following axes: Zahle-Baalbek Highway, Nahle-Baalbek Road, Arz-Baalbek Road, as shown on the map. Being near Hezbollah elements, installations, or combat equipment may expose you to danger."
Baalbek governor spoke to Sky News Arabic about the situation in the city following the Israeli announcement explaining that people are in panic. "We are facing a catastrophic situation," he added.
Since the start of the Israeli ground operation in Lebanon, the army has targeted several towns and villages near the border reportedly saying it is targeting Hezbollah positions there.
The Israeli army killed multiple Hezbollah commanders including its former Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and high-ranking commanders such as Ali Karaki, and Fuad Shukr.
