Israel issues evacuation order for Baalbek, Lebanon

Israel has issued an evacuation order for Baalbek, a historic city in northeastern Lebanon, which is the first time it has been done.

Avichay Adraee, an Arabic-speaking spokeswoman for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), warned Baalbek inhabitants of Hezbollah’s presence in the city and advised them to leave via several roadways.

“The Israel Defense Forces will act strongly against Hezbollah interests within your city and villages and have no intention to harm you,” Adraee said.

This is the first time a whole city in northern Lebanon has been requested to leave, although Israel has already ordered the evacuation of the majority of Lebanon’s southern towns and cities. According to an Adraee map, Roman ruins can be found in one of the regions designated for evacuation. Intense bombing campaigns frequently accompany Israeli evacuation orders.

Since intensifying its campaign in Lebanon a month ago, Israel has targeted the city, which is believed to have had a Hezbollah presence. Some of the biggest and best-preserved Roman temples may be seen in the city, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Over the decades, it has withstood numerous natural disasters and wars, including the Israeli-Hezbollah confrontation in 2006 and a civil war that lasted 15 years, beginning in 1975.

“Being near Hezbollah members, facilities, or combat equipment may expose you to danger,” Adraee said.

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