Beirut: Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling on Wednesday targeted several towns and villages in southern Lebanon earlier on Wednesday, amid a significant escalation along the border.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, more than 15 Israeli airstrikes struck the town of Markaba, subjecting the area to a heavy "fire belt." An AH-64 Apache helicopter was also reported flying over Khiam, carrying out sweeping fire operations, while Israeli forces repeatedly fired machine guns toward Tel Nahas as bombardment of Khiam intensified.

Artillery shelling also targeted the villages of Aita al-Shaab, Qouzah, Beit Lif, Kfar Shouba, and Yahmar al-Shaqif, while Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes on Arnoun in the Nabatieh district followed by another strike on Yahmar al-Shaqif.

In a separate incident, an Israeli drone launched a guided missile at Kiosk Express in the Marj Harouf area opposite Taaouniyat al-Rimal.

Another airstrike also targeted the town of Al-Majadel, as shelling continued intermittently across several southern localities. No confirmed information on casualties has been reported so far.