Islamabad, Sep 28: Israel strikes Beirut, Nasrallah’s fate unclears after massive attack
Israel launched airstrikes on southern Beirut and other parts of Lebanon on Saturday, following a massive attack on Hezbollah’s headquarters aimed at its leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. His status remains uncertain, as Hezbollah has not issued a statement.
Before dawn on Saturday, over 20 airstrikes were reported in Beirut, with more occurring after sunrise, targeting the Hezbollah-controlled Dahiyeh. Thousands fled the area, gathering in central Beirut and coastal locations for refuge.
The Israeli military confirmed missile strikes on central Israel and a barrage of projectiles from Lebanon, some intercepted. It also continued attacking Hezbollah targets in the Bekaa Valley, which has been heavily bombarded over the past week.
Following a five-hour strike on Friday, the most significant against Beirut in the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, fears of escalation involving Iran, and the U.S. have grown.
While there was no confirmation on Nasrallah’s fate, Israeli officials indicated top Hezbollah leaders were targeted.
The Israeli military announced the deaths of Hezbollah’s missile unit commander Muhammad Ali Ismail and his deputy, Hossein Ahmed Ismail. Hezbollah’s media denied weapons were stored in the hit buildings.
This conflict, playing out alongside the Gaza war, has already displaced around 100,000 people in Lebanon, while Israel has also evacuated tens of thousands from its border areas.
Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, stated the attacks would continue as long as Hezbollah chooses war.