Israeli forces have reportedly blocked supply routes to the southern Lebanese border city of Khiyam and launched intense artillery and air strikes as they press their offensive to capture the strategically significant city. The move comes as part of broader military efforts to secure a stronger foothold in southern Lebanon.

Asharq al-Awsat newspaper cited field sources as saying that Israeli troops have entered neighborhoods in Khiyam from its eastern and southern outskirts, gradually expanding their reach into the city’s northern and eastern sectors. Despite these advancements, claims of full Israeli control over Khiyam, which has been under siege for 25 days, remain contested. Intense clashes persist within its streets and alleys, accompanied by artillery fire and frequent drone and air raids.

Israeli forces have severed Hezbollah’s supply routes by taking control of key locations, including Bourj al-Mamlouk, Tall al-Nahas, and the olive groves in al-Qlaa, located in the Marayoun region. Troops have also advanced westward toward the Litani River, further tightening their grip on the region.

A seven-kilometer “line of fire” encircles Khiyam, designed to deter anti-tank attacks and facilitate sustained artillery and aerial bombardment. This relentless pressure has forced Hezbollah to deploy suicide drones against Israeli positions in a bid to slow the offensive.

Hezbollah’s al-Manar television reported that Israeli forces attempted new incursions into Khiyam’s northern neighborhoods. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) described the ongoing military campaign as Israel’s most intensive effort yet to storm the city, employing “all forms of weapons” in the operation.

Since Friday night, airstrikes and artillery attacks have intensified as Israeli troops attempt to surround and penetrate Khiyam. The NNA also noted that Israeli forces have adopted tactics previously seen in other towns in southern Lebanon, including booby-trapping homes and buildings before destroying them. Similar methods were used in Adeisseh, Yaround, Aitaroun, and Mais al-Jabal.