Israel says troops carrying out cross-border raids in Lebanon are engaged in "intense fighting" with Hezbollah militants.

Israel’s military says eight of its soldiers have been killed in combat in southern Lebanon, its first losses since the start of the ground invasion against the armed group Hezbollah. Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, said it had destroyed Israeli tanks during the fighting and insisted it had enough men and ammunition to push back the forces.

The Israeli military announced on Wednesday the first deaths from the conflict in Lebanon, naming eight soldiers who were killed in combat. The deaths point to the dangers of Israel’s land operation in Lebanon,