Up First from NPR Lebanese Warfront, US Troops Deployed To Middle East, TSA and Travel
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Mar 30, 2026 
Greg Myre, NPR national security correspondent, and Lauren Frayer, NPR international correspondent in Beirut, track a fast-moving Middle East crisis. They cover Israel’s expanding offensive in Lebanon, the killing of journalists, fresh U.S. troop movements, Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, and why unpaid TSA workers are triggering chaotic airport delays.
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Lauren Frayer Finds Fear And Resilience In Jezzine
- Lauren Frayer saw frightened civilians fleeing bombardment in Jezzine, alongside constant warplanes, sonic booms, and a Palm Sunday procession in the rain.
- A school principal said waves of displaced families filled her shelter so completely that she had to turn people away.
Israel Expands Lebanon Offensive With Gaza Model Echoes
- Israel says it is widening its Lebanon invasion to create a buffer zone where Hezbollah can no longer fire rockets into northern Israel.
- Lauren Frayer says many Lebanese fear a repeat of Israel's 1980s and 1990s occupation, especially after officials said they want to duplicate the Gaza model.
Journalist Killings Intensify Lebanon Information War
- Israel said it deliberately targeted Lebanese journalists, accusing two of militancy while acknowledging reports that a female journalist was present.
- Afterward, an Israeli military spokesperson posted a doctored combat image of one journalist, then admitted the photo was fake.