Smoke and explosions have engulfed Beirut's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, following Israel's orders for residents to evacuate.
Israel's military confirmed it launched a series of intense attacks in the area, hours after Lebanese media reported heavy artillery fire in nearby border towns.
At least six Israeli airstrikes pounded southern Beirut overnight from Monday to Tuesday, according to a Lebanese security official.
Lebanese troops withdrew from the border late Monday amid fears of an imminent ground invasion.
The escalation follows Israel's assassination of Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
US President Joe Biden's attempts to curb Israel's offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza have seen little impact despite his urgent calls for a ceasefire.
