Hezbollah vows retaliation following assassination of senior commander
The leader of the Iranian-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah has declared that a response to the Israeli assassination of a senior commander in Beirut is imminent. In a televised address marking one week since Fuad Shukr’s killing, Hassan Nasrallah promised a “strong” and “effective” retaliation, emphasizing that the assassination could not be dismissed as a routine attack.
Nasrallah indicated that Hezbollah might act independently or in coordination with other Iranian-supported factions in the region. Amidst these developments, countries worldwide have advised their citizens to leave Lebanon, fearing that a Hezbollah attack on Israel could escalate into a broader conflict.
Iran has also vowed retaliation following the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, an attack for which both Hamas and Iran blame Israel, although Israel has not commented.
Tensions heightened further on Tuesday when low-flying Israeli warplanes created sonic booms over Beirut just before Nasrallah’s speech. Nasrallah accused Israel of attempting to provoke those gathered to hear him.
Earlier that day, Israel conducted an airstrike on a “military structure” used by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, killing four Hezbollah fighters, according to the Lebanese health ministry and security sources. In apparent retaliation, Hezbollah launched drone strikes on northern Israeli towns, injuring two people.
Several countries, including the US, have urged their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately. Lebanon’s foreign minister stated efforts were underway to ensure Hezbollah’s response to Shukr’s death would not lead to significant escalation.
The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed that the Maifadoun attack was executed by fighter jets with support from intelligence agencies. In response, Hezbollah fired a “swarm” of drones at Israel, injuring two in Mazra’a. However, a Hezbollah source told Reuters that this drone attack was not part of their retaliation for Shukr’s death.
Amid rising concerns, US President Joe Biden convened his senior national security team, with preparations to support Israel if attacked. Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned ongoing efforts to prevent escalation. Meanwhile, UN rights chief Volker Turk urged all parties to urgently de-escalate the increasingly precarious situation.
In addition, several US military personnel were injured in a rocket attack on the Ain al-Assed base in Iraq, the latest in a series of assaults on the facility hosting American forces fighting the Islamic State group.
Source: BBC
