Civilians Flee as Israel Strikes Beirut Suburbs in Deadly Assault

Beirut, Lebanon - Panic gripped the Lebanese capital as deadly Israeli airstrikes on suburban areas of Beirut triggered a massive evacuation, with highways gridlocked as thousands of civilians fled the violence. The Israeli assault, the deadliest on Lebanon in over a year, has so far claimed the lives of 31 people, according to Lebanese authorities.

The strikes, which began early this morning, have primarily targeted Hezbollah positions and infrastructure in the southern suburbs of Beirut, a stronghold of the Iran-backed militant group. However, the attacks have also hit civilian areas, raising fears and sparking a large-scale exodus from the affected neighborhoods.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as terrified residents rushed to leave their homes, many with just the essentials packed in hastily assembled bags. Traffic jams stretched for miles as people tried to flee the city, fearing further escalation of the conflict.