❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Israeli military launched a major missile strike on Beirut, targeting Hezbollah leadership.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Israeli military (IDF), Hezbollah, and the Lebanese government.
📍WHEN & WHERE: Sunday in Beirut, Lebanon, specifically the Haret Hreik neighborhood.
💬KEY QUOTE: “This breaches a new red line.” – Hezbollah statement
🎯IMPACT: At least five people were killed, 28 were wounded, and significant damage occurred in a densely populated area.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a significant strike on Beirut, Lebanon, on Sunday, targeting senior Hezbollah leadership. Following the strike, the IDF announced that it had “eliminated” Hezbollah’s chief of staff, Haytham Ali Tabatabai, in the attack on an apartment building in the Haret Hreik neighborhood, a known Hezbollah stronghold.
Hezbollah released a statement condemning the attack, calling it a violation of agreements that “breaches a new red line.” While the group did not immediately confirm the death of Tabatabai, it stated, “We are coordinating with the Lebanese state to put an end to this Israeli violation.” Notably, Tabatabai was believed to be the current second in command of Hezbollah and played a key role in the founding of the Islamist terror group.
A total of two missiles struck the Beirut apartment building, causing extensive damage to cars and surrounding structures. At least five individuals lost their lives, while 28 others were injured. A large plume of smoke was seen rising above the area.
Western media is characterizing the strike as “a new escalation,” with the attack lacking prior warning or evacuation orders. However, the clandestine nature of the strike likely indicates the high-value nature of the target. The Israeli attack has also drawn criticism for allegedly violating international law and Security Council resolution SCR 1701.
The attack has intensified tensions in the region, with both Hezbollah and the Lebanese government condemning the actions as a breach of the ceasefire and international agreements.
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