The leader of Hezbollah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, has been reported dead, as confirmed by the Iran-backed group following claims from the Israeli military that he was eliminated in an airstrike in Beirut yesterday.
This marks a significant blow to Hezbollah, which is grappling with an ongoing wave of Israeli assaults.
Furthermore, it represents a substantial setback for Iran, as Nasrallah was a key figure in solidifying Hezbollah as a crucial ally in Tehran’s network of affiliated groups within the Arab region.
In a statement, Hezbollah declared its intention to sustain its struggle against Israel “in support of Gaza and Palestine, and in defense of Lebanon and its steadfast and honorable populace”.
Following the announcement of his death, Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV began broadcasting verses from the Koran.
The Israeli military had previously indicated that Nasrallah was eliminated in a “targeted strike” that took place yesterday on the group’s underground command center located beneath a residential building in Dahiyeh, an area in southern Beirut predominantly controlled by Hezbollah.
He was reported to have been killed alongside another prominent Hezbollah figure, Ali Karaki, along with other commanders.
“The strike was executed while high-ranking members of Hezbollah were operating from the headquarters and conducting terrorist operations against Israeli citizens,” the military stated.
Nasrallah’s death represents the most significant setback for Hezbollah amid a tumultuous two weeks during which the group incurred serious losses, including a lethal attack on numerous wireless communication devices utilized by its members.
Israel has also intensified its airstrikes, resulting in the deaths of several commanders and impacting various locations throughout Lebanon.
A new series of airstrikes targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs early this morning.
The airstrike on Dahiyeh yesterday rattled Beirut. According to a security source in Lebanon, the assault, characterized by a rapid succession of extremely powerful explosions, left a crater approximately 20 meters deep.
This was followed today by additional airstrikes on Dahiyeh and other regions in Lebanon. Enormous explosions illuminated the night sky, with more strikes occurring in the morning, as smoke billowed over the city.
Additionally, Hezbollah persisted in its cross-border rocket assaults, triggering sirens and prompting residents in Israel to seek shelter. Israeli missile defense systems intercepted some rockets, and there were no immediate reports of injuries.
The escalating situation has heightened concerns that the conflict may spiral out of control, potentially involving Iran, Hezbollah’s primary supporter, as well as the United States.
Residents have evacuated Dahiyeh, looking for refuge in downtown Beirut and other areas of the city.
“Yesterday’s strikes were unbelievable. We had evacuated before and returned home, but when the bombardment intensified, we decided to come here, waiting for Netanyahu to halt the attacks,” said Dalal Daher, who spoke near Beirut’s Martyrs Square, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Nasrallah guided Hezbollah through decades of conflict with Israel. Latest Middle East news stories.
