The Israeli army announced on Saturday that it had killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a series of airstrikes targeting Beirut’s southern suburbs. The strikes, part of Israel’s intensified campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, have marked a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict at the northern border.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that it conducted a “precise strike” on Hezbollah’s central headquarters, located beneath residential buildings in Beirut’s Dahieh district. This densely populated area is considered a stronghold of Hezbollah, and the strike aimed to neutralize its leadership.
Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani wrote on X on Saturday that Nasrallah is “dead.”
Hassan Nasrallah is dead.
— LTC Nadav Shoshani (@LTC_Shoshani) September 28, 2024
In the early hours of Saturday, the first wave of airstrikes shook the Lebanese capital, sending plumes of thick smoke into the sky and shattering windows across the city. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported at least six civilian deaths and 91 injuries as a result of the bombardment. Despite Israel’s claims of precision, the strikes have led to significant collateral damage in the area.
Initially, reports from Hezbollah-affiliated sources and Iranian news agencies suggested that Nasrallah had survived the attack.
However, after hours of speculation and confusion, the IDF confirmed that Nasrallah was killed in the airstrike, along with several other key Hezbollah commanders, including Ali Karaki, who oversaw the group’s southern front.
This latest attack is part of a broader Israeli strategy to dismantle Hezbollah’s leadership structure and military capabilities. In recent weeks, Israel has ramped up its operations against the group, focusing on its positions in Lebanon and Syria, where Hezbollah has a significant presence.
Saturday’s strikes also extended to other areas, including Beirut’s Bekaa Valley and Bhamdoun, further intensifying the conflict.
The death of Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s leader since 1992, could mark a turning point in the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, potentially leading to further instability in Lebanon.
Known for his charisma and military acumen, Nasrallah has been a central figure in shaping the organization’s strategy and its regional alliances, particularly with Iran.
As Lebanon reels from the devastation, the region now faces uncertainty. Hezbollah’s response to the killing of its leader is likely to escalate tensions, raising fears of a broader conflict between Israel and its northern neighbor.
The streets of Beirut’s southern suburbs were eerily quiet on Saturday, with residents staying indoors amid fears of further strikes.
The destruction and the confirmation of Nasrallah’s death have left the city bracing for Hezbollah’s next move, as the group mourns its leader and vows retaliation.