Hezbollah Commander Killed in Israeli Strike
Hezbollah reported that a second top commander was killed during an Israeli airstrike on Beirut. The attack, which took place on Friday, targeted a densely populated southern suburb, leaving 31 people dead and 68 others wounded. Among those killed was Ibrahim Akil, a senior figure responsible for Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force. The group confirmed that Akil and another commander, Ahmed Mahmoud Wahbi, were killed while attending a meeting in the basement of a destroyed building.
Deadly Toll and Ongoing Rescue Operations
Lebanon’s health minister, Firass Abiad, stated that the death toll could rise as search and rescue teams continue to work through the rubble. Among the 68 injured, 15 remain in critical condition. The strike, the deadliest on Beirut since the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, occurred during rush hour on Qaim street, devastating an eight-story building and damaging a neighboring one. The Lebanese Red Cross and emergency workers are actively involved in the rescue efforts, with 23 individuals still reported missing.
Retaliation for Hezbollah Bombardment
The Israeli strike followed one of Hezbollah’s most intense bombardments of northern Israel in nearly a year. Hezbollah claimed its rocket attack was in retaliation for previous Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon. Although Israel’s Iron Dome intercepted many of the rockets, this latest escalation marks a significant turn in the ongoing conflict. The airstrike came on the heels of a tragic explosion in Lebanon, attributed to Israeli attacks, that killed 37 people, including children, and wounded thousands.
Lebanon Secures Strike Zone
Lebanese troops have cordoned off the airstrike site, securing the area to prevent further casualties or interference. Hezbollah allowed journalists access to the scene on Saturday morning, showing the widespread destruction caused by the missile strike. Buildings were leveled, and workers continued to dig through the wreckage. Lebanese officials confirmed that an eight-story building was completely destroyed, and search efforts remain focused on locating those still trapped beneath the debris.
Rising Tensions and Evacuations
The Israeli-Hezbollah conflict has intensified since October, leading to frequent cross-border attacks. Both sides have exchanged fire regularly, with Israel now considering a broader military operation in Lebanon. Israel’s security cabinet has made it a priority to end Hezbollah’s strikes in northern Israel to allow evacuated residents to return home. Tens of thousands of people have already fled their homes on both sides of the border, as the risk of a full-scale conflict looms larger with each passing day.
SOURCE: Ref Image from The New York Times
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