BEIRUT, April 10 (Xinhua) -- At least 19 people, including 12 members of the Lebanese State Security, were killed and several others wounded on Friday following a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting southern and eastern Lebanon, according to official sources.

Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported that the city of Nabatieh experienced "the most intense attack since the start of the current war," as Israeli warplanes carried out heavy strikes targeting multiple neighborhoods and streets, causing extensive damage.

It added that strikes hit the vicinity of the government serail, destroying buildings and resulting in casualties.

The Lebanese presidency reported that an initial count confirmed 12 security personnel were killed during the attacks.

Rescue teams have transported the wounded to hospitals as search and debris-clearing operations continued.

In the Iqlim al-Tuffah area, an Israeli strike hit a car wash in the center of the town of Jbaa, killing six people, the report said.

Another person was killed in a strike on the town of Ansar in eastern Lebanon.

A Lebanese security source told Xinhua that Israeli warplanes and drones carried out about 42 airstrikes on various locations across southern and eastern Lebanon over the past hours.

Lebanon has witnessed escalating military tensions since early March amid broader regional instability.

Hezbollah previously announced the launch of rockets from southern Lebanon toward Israel on March 2, marking the first such attack since a ceasefire was declared in November 2024, prompting Israel to carry out airstrikes targeting Beirut, its southern suburbs, and other areas.