Israel Strikes Hezbollah Targets in Beirut After Senior Commander’s Killing

Israel launched a series of airstrikes early Friday on Hezbollah positions in the southern suburbs of Beirut, targeting what it described as the group’s underground headquarters, according to reports from Lebanese media and Israeli officials. The strikes came hours after the killing of senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr, a move that sharply escalated tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group.

Witnesses reported powerful explosions and large fires across the densely populated area, with plumes of smoke rising over Beirut’s southern districts. Lebanese media said the attacks caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, and reported civilian casualties, though the full extent of the toll was not immediately clear.

The strikes mark one of the most serious escalations in the conflict in recent months, following repeated Hezbollah rocket attacks on northern Israel and Israeli retaliatory actions along the border. The exchange has raised fears of a broader regional confrontation, as both sides continue to trade fire amid mounting international concern.

Officials in Beirut condemned the attacks, while Israel said it was acting against Hezbollah military assets. The situation remains volatile, with residents in affected neighborhoods facing widespread destruction and uncertainty as emergency crews worked to assess the damage.