Australia has ordered nonessential government officials to leave Lebanon due to the deteriorating security situation in the region, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Friday.
Wong said a limited number of officials will remain in Lebanon to provide consular assistance to Australian citizens, according to reports.
The decision comes amid escalating tensions following recent Israeli military strikes inside Lebanon.
The Israel Defense Forces said earlier Friday that it targeted the Zrariyeh Bridge over the Litani River, describing it as a key route used by members of Hezbollah.
Israeli officials claimed the group had recently placed rocket launchers near the bridge and used them to fire projectiles toward Israel.
According to reports, this appears to be the first time during the current clashes with Hezbollah that Israel has acknowledged striking civilian infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health said Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed 687 people, including 98 children, 62 women and 18 paramedics.
The ministry added that 1,774 others have been injured in the strikes, among them 304 children, 328 women and 45 emergency responders.
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