An Israeli airstrike on Hezbollah’s stronghold in Beirut on Friday resulted in eight deaths and numerous injuries, according to Lebanese health officials. The strike targeted the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, killing 59 people.
A Hezbollah insider, who requested anonymity, confirmed the death of Ibrahim Aqil, the leader of the elite Radwan unit.
This marks the third airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs since the Israel-Hamas conflict began on October 7. The violence has shifted focus from Gaza to Lebanon. Earlier this year, similar strikes attributed to Israel resulted in the deaths of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr and Hamas leader Saleh al-Aruri.
The insider further stated that the Israeli strike eliminated Aqil, Hezbollah’s second-in-command after Shukr. Hezbollah has officially confirmed Aqil’s death, and also claimed responsibility for an attack on an Israeli intelligence base accused of conducting various “assassinations.”
BREAKING: Ibrahim Aqil, head of Hezbollah elite unit, killed after Israeli airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/iOhIyM0jEs
— The General (@GeneralMCNews) September 20, 2024
The United States had previously offered a US$7 million reward for information on Aqil, identifying him as a key figure in the 1983 bombing of the US embassy in Beirut, which killed 63 people. Verified social media footage on Friday showed smoke rising over southern Beirut.
Since October 7, Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters have clashed along the Israel-Lebanon border. The focus of Israeli military efforts has shifted from Gaza to the northern border due to the weakened state of Hamas. These border skirmishes have resulted in hundreds of deaths in Lebanon, primarily among fighters, and dozens of casualties in Israel, displacing thousands on both sides.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, Hezbollah experienced a significant attack, attributed to Israel, which saw the destruction of thousands of communication devices, resulting in 37 deaths and numerous injuries. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah vowed retaliation against Israel.
Earlier on Friday, Israel reported that Hezbollah had launched multiple rockets from Lebanon following airstrikes that destroyed many of Hezbollah’s rocket launchers. Israel announced it was refocusing its military objectives on its northern border.
Killed Hezbollah commander Aqil was wanted for deadly 1983 US embassy, Marine blasts https://t.co/agCCdp9nmC pic.twitter.com/HKPZbfyFBO
— Reuters (@Reuters) September 20, 2024
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, addressing troops on Wednesday, stated that Hezbollah would face escalating consequences as Israel aimed to secure the return of its citizens to border regions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu postponed his trip to the United States by a day due to the northern front’s situation.
Hezbollah claimed it targeted six Israeli military bases with rocket salvos on Friday after intense overnight bombardments described by residents of the border town Marjayoun as the heaviest since the clashes began last October. Residents expressed fear of a wider conflict.
International efforts are underway to prevent the Gaza conflict from escalating into a regional war. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged restraint from all parties to avoid further escalation and jeopardise a potential Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement.
Hamas’s October 7 attacks led to 1,205 deaths, mostly civilians, based on Israeli figures. Out of 251 hostages taken, 97 remain in Gaza, with 33 confirmed dead by the Israeli military. Israel’s military response has resulted in over 41,272 deaths in Gaza, mainly civilians, based on Hamas-run health ministry figures, which the United Nations has deemed credible.
What Other Media Are Saying
- AP News reports on an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, targeting Hezbollah leader Ibrahim Akil, amid heightened tensions and rocket attacks, raising concerns of escalating conflict in the Middle East. (Read more)
- Al Jazeera reported that Israeli strikes on Beirut have killed at least 8, injuring many, including children, in a conflict involving Hezbollah and escalating tensions in the region. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened in the Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut?
An Israeli air strike killed eight people and wounded 59, including a top Hezbollah military leader.
Who was the top Hezbollah leader killed in the Beirut strike?
Ibrahim Aqil, head of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan unit, was killed.
How has the Israel-Hamas war shifted recently?
The focus has shifted from Gaza to Lebanon, intensifying clashes along the Israel-Lebanon border.
What was the impact of the recent attack on Hezbollah’s communication devices?
The attack killed 37 people and wounded thousands by causing communication devices to explode.
How has the international community responded to the escalating conflict?
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for restraint to prevent the Gaza war from becoming a regional conflict.
