BEIRUT, March 18 (Xinhua) -- At least six civilians were killed and 24 others wounded in two Israeli airstrikes on the Lebanese capital Beirut at dawn on Wednesday, said the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health.

A firefighter looks at debris at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut's Bashoura neighborhood on March 18, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

It said that the toll was preliminary and rescue teams have recovered the bodies from the site, adding that the identities of the victims will be determined following DNA testing.

The raids targeted the districts of Zkak Blat and Basta Tahta in Beirut, according to earlier reports.

Hezbollah, an Iranian ally that controls much of southern Lebanon, launched attacks on Israel on March 2, two days after a U.S.-Israeli strike killed then Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Israel subsequently launched a military campaign against the group, including intensive airstrikes on Beirut and its surrounding areas.