The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) announced on Saturday that they have eliminated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, along with several senior commanders, in an airstrike conducted in Beirut, Lebanon.
Also a top Hezbollah leader was killed in a targeted airstrike by Israel in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Saturday, just a day after a strike in the area killed Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.
In a statement released on Saturday morning, the IDF claimed, “Hassan Nasrallah, the leader and one of the founders of the Hezbollah terrorist organization, was killed in an operation by the IDF, along with Ali Karki, the Commander of Hezbollah’s Southern Front, and other commanders.”
they said it “eliminated” Hassan Khalil Yassin, who led a unit in Hezbollah’s intelligence division responsible for identifying Israeli military and civilian targets, according to the Times of Israel.
Another senior leader, Nabil Qaouk, Vice President of Hezbollah’s Executive Council, was also targeted in an Israeli airstrike, though details about his fate remain unclear.
The Israeli military said that it conducted a “precise strike” in the southern suburbs of Beirut, specifically in the Dahiyeh area. “The IDF conducted a precise strike in the Dahiyeh area of Beirut. Details to follow,” the statement said.
Prior to last week, Israeli airstrikes on the Lebanese capital were uncommon. However, the IDF has intensified its military operations, targeting Hezbollah missile storage facilities in Beirut. Witnesses reported massive explosions resonating across the city.
According to the IDF, Israeli Air Force jets carried out a “targeted strike” on Hezbollah’s central headquarters, which was reportedly located underground beneath a residential building in the Dahiyeh area of Beirut.
The operation occurred while Hezbollah’s senior leadership was present and actively planning attacks against Israel.
Hezbollah’s attacks on northern Israel escalated following Hamas’ assault on October 7. As a result, approximately 60,000 Israelis have been displaced, with the government pledging to facilitate their return.
The Israeli military has significantly intensified its campaign against Hezbollah in recent days, reportedly resulting in the deaths of hundreds and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians, as stated by the Lebanese government.
According to CNN, there has been no confirmation from Hezbollah.if Nasrallah was one of the founders of Hezbollah, that was formed four decades ago with the aid of Iran, and oversaw its transformation into one of the most powerful paramilitary forces in the Middle East.
State-run media in Lebanon says there have been casualties. A CNN team found people sleeping in the street.