Israeli Airstrike Targets Hezbollah Leader Ali Karaki in Beirut
On September 23, 2024, the Israeli army conducted an airstrike targeting Ali Karaki, a prominent military commander in Hezbollah, in the Madi neighborhood of southern Beirut. This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, as Karaki is considered the third high-ranking military figure from the group to be killed in recent months. Following the assassination of Fouad Shukr on July 30 and Ibrahim Aqil on September 20, Karaki's targeting underscores the Israeli military's intensified efforts against Hezbollah's leadership.
Background on Ali Karaki
Ali Karaki held notable positions within Hezbollah, serving as a member of the Jihad Council and the commander of the party's southern front. He was known for overseeing Hezbollah's military operations against the Israeli army and was actively involved in supporting the resistance in Gaza following the recent escalation of violence known as Operation Flood of Al-Aqsa. Earlier attempts on his life, including a failed assassination in February 2024, highlighted his significance within the organization. In that incident, a targeted vehicle was camouflaged, allowing him to escape unharmed.
Conflicting Reports on Karaki's Fate
Following the airstrike, Israeli media outlets reported that the operation successfully killed Ali Karaki. However, Hezbollah-affiliated media claimed that the assassination attempt had failed. Lebanese sources indicated that the Israeli raid involved the use of six guided missiles, leading to uncertainty regarding Karaki's current status. As of now, his fate remains unknown, with security sources reporting conflicting information about the outcome of the strike.
