Israeli army strikes Hezbollah headquarters in Beirut causing massive explosions

Israel conducted an airstrike on Hezbollah headquarters in Beirut, leading to substantial devastation, casualties, and escalating tensions in the region.

The armed forces of Israel announced on Friday that they had launched an airstrike on Hezbollah's headquarters in Beirut. This resulted in a series of significant explosions that leveling multiple structures and generating massive clouds of orange and black smoke in the city. The explosions were described as the biggest to rock the Lebanese capital in the past year, according to reports from Lebanon's health ministry, which stated that at least two people were killed and dozens were wounded.

Impact on the Lebanese capital

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was reportedly the target of the strikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, as reported by three major Israeli TV channels. However, these claims could not be immediately verified by The Associated Press, and the Israeli military declined to comment on the matter. Given the magnitude and timing of the blasts, there were strong indications that a senior leader may have been present in the targeted buildings.

International response and security

The strikes prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cut short his visit to the United States and return to Israel instead of waiting until the end of the Sabbath, in what is considered a significant move. Netanyahu had earlier addressed the U.N., emphasizing Israel's commitment to continue its campaign against Hezbollah, thereby diminishing hopes for an internationally backed cease-fire. The news of the blasts reached Netanyahu while he was briefing reporters, leading him to end the briefing abruptly.

The Israeli military's strikes targeted the main Hezbollah headquarters, according to Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the spokesman for the Israeli army. The location of the headquarters, which was not publicly disclosed as Hezbollah's main headquarters, is situated in the "security quarters" of Haret Hreik, a heavily guarded area where Hezbollah operates its offices and several nearby hospitals. The blasts reduced six buildings to rubble in the Haret Hreik neighborhood, creating a shock wave that rattled windows and shook houses as far as 30 kilometers away.

Casualties and immediate aftermath

First responders worked tirelessly to search for survivors and put out fires in the aftermath of the strikes. The Israeli government has not released detailed information on the number of casualties, but local reports indicate that more than 720 people have been killed in Lebanon, including many women and children, as a result of the intensified military operations.

In response to the Israeli strikes, Hezbollah has demonstrated its resilience and resolve to continue its operations. Despite the significant losses, Hezbollah officials have maintained a defiant stance, asserting that despite the elimination of some of their commanders, they possess an abundance of experienced fighters ready to engage in the conflict. Hussein Fadlallah, Hezbollah's top official in Beirut, emphasized the group's commitment to supporting Palestine, Jerusalem, and Gaza.

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