The IDF claimed that since the onset of the Israel–Hezbollah conflict in October 2023 and leading up to the October 2024 ground operation, it had destroyed 103 "terror targets" in Ayta al-Shaab, including 51 tunnel shafts and nine rocket launchers, with tunnels reaching approximately 25 meters deep.[10]
Battle
The battle started in the Nurit between Ayta al-Shaab and the border between Lebanon and Israel. On October 1, under heavy air support by the Israeli Air Force, the 98th Division penetrated into the Nurit area.[11] Soon the IDF troops entered the village and systematically began destroying Hezbollah's above ground and underground infrastructure including a large scale tunnel including an underground weapons warehouse, a command room, and residential quarters.[12] The troops launched house to house search operations uncovering an underground barracks and a training grounds which were subsequently destroyed.[13]
The troops from the 91st Division were also deployed to the village and around 20 militants were killed in the battle.[14]
On 8 October, the village was reported to have been under Israeli control as the IDF began its second phase of operations in southern Lebanon.[15]
On 12 October, the village residents were forced to evacuate following the extensive bombardment of the village by UAVs and aircraft.[16] On October 14, Hezbollah claimed that its fighters killed or injured Israeli soldiers by targeting an armoured personnel carrier using a guided missile in Ayta al-Shaab. It also said that it engaged in fighting with Israeli soldiers in the village.[17]
On 21 October, several IDF tanks entered Ayta al-Shaab, intensifying combat in the region. IDF soldiers blew up several buildings in the village.[18]
On 24 October, Hezbollah reported that its fighters were engaged in ongoing "intense" clashes against IDF vehicles in the village. On the same day, Hezbollah said that it destroyed an Israeli tank with a guided missile, killing and wounding the soldiers inside.[19]
^Motamedi, Maziar; Uras, Umut (12 October 2024). "Israeli military issues threats to residents of 22 Lebanese towns". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 12 October 2024. The Israeli military has told residents of another 22 towns and villages in southern Lebanon to immediately evacuate or risk being killed, ostensibly due to "Hezbollah elements, facilities or weapons" being present in the large areas. "You are prohibited from heading south, and any movement towards the south poses a danger to your life," an Israeli army spokesman said on X, adding that residents must move north of al-Awali Sea. Many of the towns, including Aita al-Shaab, Ramyah and Hanine, have already been extensively bombed by Israeli fighter jets and drones.
^Jamal, Urooba; Uras, Umut (14 October 2024). "Hezbollah claims killing of Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 14 October 2024. The Lebanese group says it has engaged in fighting with Israeli soldiers in the village of Aita al-Shaab. According to a statement, Hezbollah fighters targeted an armoured personnel carrier with a guided missile. The vehicle caught fire and soldiers inside were killed and wounded, it added.
