IDF assesses over 400 Hezbollah operatives killed in Lebanon ground op so far

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

Troops of the 188th Armored Brigade are seen operating in southern Lebanon, in handout image published October 4, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)
Troops of the 188th Armored Brigade are seen operating in southern Lebanon, in handout image published October 4, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)

The IDF assesses that it has killed more than 400 Hezbollah operatives during ground operations in southern Lebanon so far.

The operatives, including many field commanders, were killed both in airstrikes and during fighting with IDF troops, according to the military.

The field commanders include the officers in charge of various regional units and villages in southern Lebanon, the IDF says.

The Israeli ground operations in southern Lebanon have been described by the IDF as “limited, localized, and targeted raids,” with the goal of demolishing Hezbollah’s infrastructure in the border area, especially in the villages adjacent to Israel, to enable residents of the north to return home.

The raids are focusing on Hezbollah’s “centers of gravity” in southern Lebanon villages, where troops have so far found massive amounts of weapons.

The IDF is saying that the operations in southern Lebanon will expand as needed, but that it still intends for the operations to end as quickly as possible, even within a few weeks.

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