Lebanon confirms 22 casualties in Israeli assaults focused on Beirut's urban core.
Following Israel's primary focus on striking Hezbollah in the suburbs, they've now expanded their operations to the heart of Lebanon's capital, as stated by an official source. At least 22 people met their demise, and 117 were injured in air raids, according to this source. The alleged target was a prominent Hezbollah member of high rank.
According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, at least 22 lives were lost, and 117 were injured in two separately struck locations. The attacks took place in the densely populated areas of Nourieh and Basta in the city center, as reported by the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA). Previous reports indicated that the nearby neighborhood of Ras Al-Nabaa was also under attack. Ambulances swarmed the scene, and at least two structures were completely demolished, as per the NNA report.
Unverified reports suggest the attack might have been orchestrated against Hezbollah member Wafik Safa, responsible for external and internal communication, but his whereabouts and survival remain uncertain. The Israeli Defense Force has yet to provide a comment on the matter. The information remains unverified at this time.
An Associated Press photographer at the scene reported the initial strike in Ras al-Nabaa hit the lower half of an eight-story residential building, and explosions could be heard within. Multiple ambulances attended the scene. In the Burj Abi Haidar area, a full-fledged building collapsed, resulting in a fire.
Israel Previously Avoided Targeting Beirut's Heart
The Israeli military is currently reviewing reports regarding the attacks in Beirut. In recent weeks, Israel has been frequently directing attacks towards Hezbollah strongholds in the southern suburbs of Beirut, but the city's core has been seldom struck.
The Israeli military has consistently targeted buildings hosting Hezbollah commanders. Later, Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV declared that an attempt to assassinate a high-ranking Hezbollah member named Wafik Safa had failed. The report did not specify whether he was present in either of the two buildings.
Prior to the strikes in Beirut on Thursday, Lebanese authorities had tallied the daily death toll to 28. Two United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) troops were also wounded due to Israeli fire in southern Lebanon.
The Israeli military's expansion of operations into the heart of Beirut has sparked concerns about a potential War with Israel, as Hezbollah perceives these attacks as a threat to their presence and power within Lebanon. If the reported attack on Hezbollah member Wafik Safa is confirmed, it could further escalate tensions between the two parties.
