The country is waiting to see if the government seizes on this moment to disarm the Iranian-backed armed group and how the militants will respond.

The security source said they were being flown to Russia on a Russian plane, and that another 20 Iranians had left on Friday following the start of a new war between Hezbollah and Israel.

BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanese civilians fled the country’s south and Beirut’s southern suburbs Monday, seeking refuge in Lebanon’s capital following a new and deadly escalation between Israel and the Iran-allied Lebanese militant group Hezbollah that left more than 50 people dead.

Israel sent troops into southern Lebanon on Tuesday and warned residents of more than 80 villages to evacuate as the Iran-backed militant Hezbollah group said it was ready for an “open war” with Israel in the wake of the U.

As Israel intensifies its campaign against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia, Lebanon is now teetering on the brink of being fully sucked into the escalating US and Israeli war on Iran – a fate the fragile Lebanese government has been desperate to avoid.

Israel resumed heavy strikes against Hezbollah in Beirut's southern suburbs and other areas Tuesday as its troops advanced into southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah reports engaging Israeli helicopters and troops in eastern Lebanon. This follows an earlier Israeli commando operation. Fierce clashes are ongoing. Israeli strikes have killed hundreds, including children and women.

The Israeli military said it had carried out a "precise strike" on key commanders of Iran's elite Quds Force in Beirut, following reports of casualties from an Israeli attack early on Sunday. The