Hezbollah confirms Nasrallah killed in Israeli airstrike
Hezbollah has confirmed that its leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike, the group announced on Saturday. His death came after the Israeli military stated that it had targeted and eliminated him in a strike on Beirut the previous day.
Nasrallah’s death is a significant blow to Hezbollah, which has been under intense Israeli attacks. It also marks a major setback for Iran, as Nasrallah was a crucial ally who helped build Hezbollah into a key player in Tehran’s network of allied groups across the Arab world.
In a statement, Hezbollah vowed to continue its fight against Israel, saying it would stand with Gaza and Palestine, and defend Lebanon and its people.
The group did not provide details on how Nasrallah was killed. Following the announcement, Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV began broadcasting Quranic verses in mourning.
The Israeli military earlier claimed that Nasrallah was killed in a “targeted strike” on Friday, which hit Hezbollah’s underground headquarters beneath a residential building in Dahiyeh, a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut. The strike reportedly also killed senior Hezbollah leader Ali Karaki and several other commanders.
“The operation was carried out while Hezbollah’s senior leadership was directing terrorist activities against Israeli civilians from the headquarters,” the Israeli military said.
Nasrallah’s death is considered the most devastating loss for Hezbollah in recent weeks. The group had already suffered significant setbacks, including an attack that destroyed thousands of wireless communication devices used by its members. Israeli airstrikes have also killed several other Hezbollah commanders and targeted areas across Lebanon.
Friday’s airstrike in Dahiyeh caused massive destruction, leaving a crater at least 20 meters (65 feet) deep, according to a security source in Lebanon.
More airstrikes followed on Saturday, hitting Dahiyeh and other parts of the country, with huge explosions lighting up the night sky and further strikes continuing into the morning.
Hezbollah retaliated with cross-border rocket fire, triggering sirens and forcing Israeli residents to take shelter. Israeli missile defenses intercepted some of the rockets, with no immediate reports of casualties.
The escalating conflict has raised fears that it could spiral out of control, potentially drawing in Iran, Hezbollah’s main backer, and possibly the United States. Many residents of Dahiyeh have fled to other parts of Beirut, seeking safety from the bombardment.
“Yesterday’s strikes were unbelievable. We fled before but returned home, only for the bombing to intensify. Now we are here, waiting for Netanyahu to stop the attacks,” said Dalal Daher, speaking near Beirut’s Martyrs Square, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Credit: Reuters
