Israeli Airstrikes Target Hezbollah Headquarters in Beirut
In a significant escalation of military action, the Israeli army has conducted airstrikes on what it claims to be the central headquarters of Hezbollah, located in the southern suburbs of Beirut. The attacks, which occurred on Friday evening, marked the most intense military engagement between Israel and Hezbollah since the 2006 war. Israeli F-35 aircraft deployed bunker-busting bombs, resulting in massive explosions that sent shockwaves through the city and caused widespread panic among residents. Columns of smoke billowed from several locations in the targeted area, reflecting the severity of the assault.
Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari confirmed that the strikes aimed at Hezbollah's General Staff headquarters, situated beneath residential buildings in a densely populated neighborhood. Reports indicate that the primary target of the operation was Hezbollah's Secretary-General, Hassan Nasrallah. Sources close to the group suggested that the attack was meticulously planned and that intelligence had pinpointed the location as critical for Hezbollah's leadership.
Casualties and International Reactions
The aftermath of the airstrikes has been devastating, with the Lebanese Ministry of Health reporting at least two fatalities and 76 injuries, a number that is expected to rise as rescue operations continue. Six buildings were reportedly leveled in Haret Hreik, a neighborhood known for its Hezbollah presence. While Israeli media speculated on the potential success of the operation against Nasrallah, sources from Hezbollah claimed he was unharmed and in a secure location.
The international community has reacted with alarm, with the United Nations expressing deep concern over the strikes in such a densely populated area. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric condemned the violence, stating that anyone witnessing the destruction should be horrified. Meanwhile, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the Israeli aggression and called for international intervention to halt what he termed Israel's war of extermination against Lebanon. The Pentagon, while confirming that the U.S. had no prior knowledge of the strike, indicated that communication occurred between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Israeli counterpart during the operation.
