# Escalating Military Strikes and Security Challenges in Lebanon Israel conducts airstrikes in southern Lebanon while internal crime rates fluctuate amid regional instability. - **Source:** [Asharq Al-Awsat](https://aawsat.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [world](https://brifing.si/c/world) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/7df7b0d5-2fd0-429c-b05d-0dfa3045cd2a ## Renewed Military Escalation Israeli warplanes conducted airstrikes on the towns of Kafr Tebnit and Talousa in southern Lebanon this Monday. Simultaneously, artillery units shelled the outskirts of Meifdon, Hadatha, and Haris. These actions follow a period of relative calm since the ceasefire announcement on June 20, marking a significant intensification of hostilities in the region. ## Drone Strikes and Incidents An Israeli drone targeted the outskirts of Jarmaq during the afternoon, according to the official National News Agency. In a separate incident near Deir Mimas, a drone dropped a bomb on local farmers. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though the strike highlights the persistent danger faced by civilians in southern border areas. ## Government Security Response Prime Minister Nawaf Salam chaired a ministerial meeting at the Grand Serail to address rising security concerns. The government is focusing on increasing patrols and security deployments in Beirut and its suburbs. Officials emphasize that protecting citizens and maintaining public order remains the top priority during this volatile period of regional instability. ## Crime Statistics Analysis Official security data for the first ten months of 2026 shows a decline in most crime indicators compared to 2025. While car thefts dropped by 34 percent and muggings by 5 percent, reported house robberies increased by 9 percent. Authorities attribute public fear to the rapid, unverified spread of rumors on social media. ## Innovative Criminal Tactics Citizens report evolving criminal methods, including fake internet subscription collectors and staged traffic accidents used to extort money. In one instance, a victim was coerced by a group in Gallery Semaan. These incidents, often shared on WhatsApp, contribute to a heightened sense of insecurity despite the official decline in traditional crime rates. ## Security Crackdowns and Arrests Interior Minister Ahmed Hajjar announced the arrest of approximately 20 individuals following coordinated operations between the Ministries of Interior and Defense. Many suspects, some with prior criminal records, confessed to robbery and pickpocketing. The government maintains that these ongoing security measures are essential to curbing the rise of organized criminal activity. ## Sociological Impact of Crisis Social expert Rana Ghenoui suggests that economic crises and the lack of accountability are primary drivers of criminal behavior. She notes that individuals are increasingly forming groups for protection and support. This normalization of criminal conduct is exacerbated by the erosion of family structures and social norms during prolonged periods of conflict. ## Humanitarian Context in Gaza The Peace Council, led by Donald Trump, has criticized Israel for insufficient aid delivery to Gaza ahead of winter. Heavy rains have destroyed thousands of tents, resulting in at least five deaths. While Israel reports thousands of trucks entering the territory, the Council insists that current measures remain inadequate for the humanitarian emergency. ## Sources covering this story - https://aawsat.com/node/5339456 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._