The Israeli army said on Wednesday it plans to strike bridges over the Litani River in the coming hours, urging civilians in southern Lebanon to evacuate north for their safety.

“Due to Hezbollah’s activities and the movement of terror operatives in southern Lebanon under the cover of the civilian population, the Israeli army is compelled to carry out extensive and precise strikes against Hezbollah targets,” said Col. Avichay Adraee, a spokesperson for the Israeli military.

Adraee said the strikes aim to prevent the transfer of reinforcements and combat equipment, with crossings over the Litani River singled out for attack in the afternoon.

“For your safety, you must continue moving to the area north of the Zahrani River and refrain from any movement southward that could endanger your lives,” he added.

The Israeli army said its assessment indicates that just under 1,000 fighters from Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force have crossed the Litani River into southern Lebanon to confront Israeli forces conducting a ground operation.

Last week, Israeli forces struck one bridge over the Litani, which they said had been used by Hezbollah as a key route to move personnel and equipment from northern to southern Lebanon.