Israel Conducts Airstrike on Hezbollah Commander in Beirut

Israel Targets Hezbollah Commander in Beirut Airstrike

On Tuesday, Israel conducted a rare airstrike on the Lebanese capital of Beirut, targeting a high-ranking Hezbollah commander. The attack resulted in the death of at least one woman and injuries to dozens of others. This strike marks a significant escalation in the ongoing hostilities between Israel and the Lebanese paramilitary group Hezbollah.

According to Israeli military officials, the operation aimed to eliminate Fouad Shukur, also known as Sayved Mohsen, who was described as Hezbollah’s most senior military commander and the head of its strategic unit. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that Shukur was implicated in a recent rocket attack that led to the deaths of 12 youths on the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights.

In a statement, Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari remarked, “This evening, the IDF carried out a targeted strike in Beirut on Fouad Shukur. He was the right-hand man to Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, and played a crucial role in planning and directing various attacks and operations.”

As of now, Hezbollah has not confirmed the status of the commander, and it remains unclear whether he was killed in the strike. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that the airstrike, which took place in a southern suburb of Beirut, resulted in one fatality and left 68 individuals injured, several of whom sustained serious injuries. Hospitals in the area have been inundated with casualties, prompting calls for blood donations from the public.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, condemned the strike, stating on X, “This criminal act that took place tonight is part of a series of aggressive operations that claim civilian lives, which is a clear violation of both international law and humanitarian principles.” He urged the international community to take responsibility and exert pressure on Israel to cease its aggressive actions and adhere to international resolutions.

The strike drew sharp rebukes from officials in Iran and Syria. The Iranian embassy in Lebanon characterized the attack as “sinful and cowardly,” emphasizing the need for accountability for such actions.

For the past ten months, the IDF and Hezbollah have engaged in near-daily exchanges of strikes, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Gaza. However, until this incident, both sides had managed to keep the conflict from escalating into a full-scale war.