ISTANBUL

The Israeli army on Saturday called on residents of seven areas in southern Lebanon to evacuate immediately ahead of planned strikes.

In a statement, army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said the warning applies to the areas of Maachouk, Burj alShamali, Al Rashidiya, Deir Kifa, Qaquaiyat al Jisr, Wadi Jilo, and Al Bass.

He added that the army intends to target what it described as Hezbollah sites in those areas, stating that the group’s activities are the reason for the operation.

Residents were urged to move north toward the Zahrani River for their safety.