Israeli airstrikes kill 11 in southern Lebanon, sparking condemnation from Lebanese leaders

Eleven people were killed and several others wounded on Saturday in two Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon, which Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said sent a "clear message" against the ongoing negotiating track, according to Lebanese sources.

It was reported that four people were killed and 17 others wounded after an Israeli airstrike hit a two-story building in the town of Deir Al Zahrani in the Nabatieh District.

Separately, in the town of Ansar in the same district, an Israeli airstrike on a house killed seven people and wounded several others, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The victims included three children and two women.

The strikes came amid renewed Israeli airstrikes and heavy shelling in Nabatieh and nearby villages, prompting hundreds of residents to flee toward the southern city of Sidon, according to local media reports.

In response, Aoun condemned the ongoing Israeli attacks, saying they represent repeated violations of the framework agreement and international law on protecting civilians.

According to a statement from his office, Aoun said the violations killed an entire family in Ansar and "constitute a clear message to the negotiating track and to the American efforts aimed at implementing this agreement."

Lebanon and Israel signed a framework agreement late June under U.S. mediation, which aims to advance a lasting security arrangement between the two countries and lay the groundwork for a broader peace process.

The two sides wrapped up their seventh round of talks in Rome earlier this month and are expected to meet again in the Italian capital in early September.

Israeli airstrikes kill 11 in southern Lebanon, sparking condemnation from Lebanese leaders

The Afghan Taliban celebrated on Saturday the fifth anniversary of its return to power after defeating the U.S.-led coalition forces in the country amid tight security.

Calling the day "Victory Day," groups of security personnel holding white flags in their hands drove vehicles on Kabul streets while chanting slogans. In addition to holding a large gathering attended by officials to highlight the significance of the day, the government also dispatched helicopters to drop flowers on citizens in parts of Kabul city.

Kabul residents said the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan had led to social unrest, and years of war have dragged Afghanistan into deep misery.

"This is not just my view, it is a view of all Afghans. The United States dragged Afghanistan into a crisis. They came here claiming they would develop Afghanistan, but they did not develop it. On the contrary, they inflicted enormous destruction on our country," said Bilal Ahmad, a resident.

"The United States committed countless horrifying atrocities, too many brutal acts to list. To give you just my own case, U.S. forces killed nine of my family members," said Shafiullah, another resident.

The Afghan Taliban took over power again on Aug 15, 2021, following years of war against the U.S.-led coalition forces. The last American soldier left the country at the end of August 2021.

The day is a public holiday, and no security incidents have been reported so far. Meanwhile, various cultural events, including sports competitions, have been organized in Kabul and other cities.

Afghan Taliban celebrates 5th anniversary of its return to power