Israeli forces have taken control of Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, in what marks their deepest incursion into the country in more than 25 years. The military said the site was captured after days of airstrikes and clashes with Hezbollah fighters in nearby villages.

Video showed the flag fluttering above the Crusader-era fortress as smoke rose from the nearby village of Arnoun following Israeli strikes.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the military had taken control of the hilltop castle during expanded operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement.

Beaufort Castle overlooks large parts of southern Lebanon and has long held strategic military significance.