BEIRUT - The Israeli military has attacked the historic Lebanese city of Tyre, local media and residents reported on Wednesday, with broadcasters showing images of thick clouds of smoke rising from buildings in the city centre, according to the German news agency (dpa).
The Israeli military had earlier issued evacuation orders for residents in Tyre, one of the oldest cities in the world and home to a large Christian population.
The military designated parts of the eastern city centre as a target for potential strikes. Residents were told to seek safety north of the Awali River, which is about about 40 kilometres from Tyre.
Witnesses said panic broke out among residents still in the city, with some fleeing to the beach in the hope of finding safety. At least six air raids were said to have taken place.
Lebanese news agency NNA reported that the civil defence authority was trying to regulate traffic. Lebanon has no official airstrike shelters for the population.
There was no immediate comment from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) about the strikes. - BERNAMA