Israel targets top Hezbollah commander in air raid on Beirut suburb that kills 12 people and wounds 66
Beirut, Lebanon (DT) – Israel has targeted a residential area in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, in an attempt to assassinate senior Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil.
The Israeli military claims to have “eliminated” Aqil during the operation on Friday, but Hezbollah has not yet confirmed his death. In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Israel has confirmed the targeting of Ibrahim Aqil, a prominent commander within Hezbollah. This move has drawn widespread attention, as Aqil is considered a key figure in the militant group’s operations along the Israel-Lebanon border.
The attack killed 12 people and wounded 66 others, Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health said, in a preliminary toll.
Background on Ibrahim Aqil
Ibrahim Aqil has been linked to various military activities and strategic operations involving Hezbollah, an organization classified as a terrorist group by Israel and several Western nations. Reports indicate that he has played a pivotal role in orchestrating attacks against Israeli forces and has been instrumental in the group’s military buildup in southern Lebanon.
Aqil’s rise within Hezbollah has been marked by his involvement in numerous conflicts, where he gained recognition for his tactical acumen and leadership skills. Analysts believe that his targeting by Israel reflects a broader strategy to undermine Hezbollah’s command structure and operational capabilities.
The assassination attempt or airstrike targeting Aqil could have significant ramifications for regional stability. Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate, raising concerns of an escalated conflict that could draw in multiple actors in the region. Observers warn that this incident may trigger a cycle of violence, further complicating an already volatile situation.
Israeli officials have stated that their operations are aimed at neutralizing threats from Hezbollah, emphasizing the importance of national security in the face of ongoing hostilities.
International Reactions
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for restraint from various governments. Analysts suggest that how Hezbollah responds to this targeting will be critical in shaping the future dynamics of Israeli-Lebanese relations.
As tensions mount, the world watches closely to see how this incident will unfold and its potential impact on the fragile peace in the region.