Israel conducts airstrikes on ammunition storage facilities in Beirut
After carrying out a significant aerial assault in a neighborhood of Beirut, the Lebanese capital, Israel's air force launched another round of strikes, military sources stated. The purpose of the attack was reportedly to neutralize weapons belonging to the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia, which were stashed under residential structures, according to the military. A potential risk of building damage or collapse due to the detonation of those weapons was highlighted by army spokesperson Daniel Hagari.
Earlier, the military had advised certain residents in the area to evacuate. This instruction pertained to individuals residing near structures utilized by the predominantly Shiite Hezbollah militia, as indicated by an Arabic message released by an Israeli military spokesperson.
Out of concern for their safety, individuals were advised to maintain a distance of at least 500 meters from these specific buildings, as per the message. Assistance in identifying the precise locations necessitating evacuation was also provided with accompanying maps. According to local media outlets, numerous people relocated from the area. Witnesses reported exodus in the Lailaki neighborhood, with individuals appearing to rush out of the area, based on videos shared on social media platforms.
Intense Airstrike on Hezbollah Headquarters
The intense bombardment in the afternoon of a Beirut suburb was reportedly directed at what Israel alleged to be the headquarters of the pro-Iranian Shiite militia. Prior to confirmation, unverified media outlets claimed that the objective of the strike was Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. Clearly expressing satisfaction with the precision of the attack, the Israeli military spokesperson stated that the Hezbollah central command had been targeted.
Some reports specify that Israel is looking into the possibility of Nasrallah being injured during the attack, as claimed by "Axios" citing an Israeli source. Conversely, the Iranian news agency Tasnim confirmed that Nasrallah is in good condition. The death toll from the attack remains uncertain.
Following the strike, Israel is eager to obstruct weapon deliveries to the Shiite Hezbollah militia via the capital Beirut's international airport. Despite Iranian weapon deliveries to Hezbollah, these are met with resistance, said Daniel Hagari. In this regard, the air force is now patrolling the area surrounding the Beirut airport. To date, Lebanon, unlike its neighboring country Syria, has adhered to responsibility and refrained from allowing weapon transportations through the civilian airport. Aircraft carrying weapons are prohibited from landing there, the spokesperson concluded.
Over 700 Dead Due to Airstrikes
Since the commencement of last week, Israel has waged widespread attacks against Iran's backing in Hezbollah, Lebanon. Over 700 people have reportedly died and nearly 6,000 have been injured from Israeli attacks since Monday, according to official Lebanese figures.
In retaliation, Hezbollah has engaged numerous targets within Israeli territory. Israel had rejected a proposed ceasefire, leading both sides to persist with their attacks.
Hezbollah began to escalate its attacks following the ignition of the Gaza war. The militia is allied with the radical Islamic Palestinian organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which ignited the conflict with a vast, unprecedented assault on Israel on October 7th.
The airstrikes conducted by Israel's military were primarily aimed at dismantling Hezbollah's military facilities and weapon caches, as confirmed by military sources. The intense bombardment in Beirut was allegedly targeting the headquarters of the pro-Iranian Shiite militia, aiming to disrupt their operations and weapon supply lines.
