Beirut: The Israeli military launched another intense airstrike on southern Beirut, Lebanon, intensifying the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. The latest assault has left the city reeling, with widespread destruction and mounting casualties reported.
Reuters witnesses described the air attacks as large-scale operations that persisted from late Saturday into Sunday. Residents reported hearing continuous explosions across Beirut, accompanied by flashes of red and white lighting up the sky for approximately half an hour, visible from several kilometres away. The aftermath was marked by towering flames and billowing black smoke, painting a grim picture of the devastation wrought by the bombardment.
According to the Israeli army, 440 Hezbollah fighters have been killed in their campaign thus far. The ferocity of the attacks has caused significant structural damage across Beirut, with hundreds of buildings reduced to rubble, reminiscent of a house of cards collapsing under pressure. Despite the extensive destruction, authorities have yet to release official figures regarding casualties from the latest assault.
Beirut has become a focal point in the escalating tensions, serving as a stronghold for Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group. Just days prior, Israeli forces reportedly killed Hezbollah leader Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah on September 27 during an attack on the group’s central command headquarters in the city. Following Nasrallah’s death, Hashif Safiddin assumed leadership of Hezbollah. However, there are growing concerns about Safiddin’s status, as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) hinted at his potential demise, and he has since been out of contact.
A Lebanese security source confirmed on Saturday that Hashim Safiddin was targeted and cut off by an Israeli airstrike near Beirut’s international airport on Friday. Despite these developments, Hezbollah has yet to make any official statements regarding Safiddin’s fate. Continued Israeli attacks on residential areas south of central Beirut and the Hezbollah stronghold of Dahiyah have hindered rescue operations, preventing authorities from locating the site of Thursday night’s latest strike.
Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari announced that Israel has eliminated 440 Hezbollah fighters and destroyed 2,000 Hezbollah targets during its ground operations in South Lebanon. While Israel has provided these figures, Hezbollah has not disclosed its own death toll. The Israeli government claims that the intensified offensive aims to secure the safe return of thousands of civilians to northern Israel. In a related development, Israeli officials reported that nine Israeli soldiers have been killed in South Lebanon to date.
The ongoing conflict continues to destabilise the region, with Beirut bearing the brunt of the Israeli military’s aggressive strategy against Hezbollah.
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