02 Jan 2024 | 05:19 PM UTC
Lebanon: Alleged drone strike kills six militants associated with Hamas in Beirut's Dahieh suburb late Jan. 2 /update 1
Alleged drone strike against Hamas office in Dahieh area of Beirut, Lebanon, kills six militants, Jan. 2. Avoid the area.
Emergency personnel are continuing their response to an explosion and subsequent fire that occurred in Beirut's Dahieh suburb as of late Jan. 2. Preliminary reports indicate that the blast resulted from an alleged Israeli drone attack against Hamas' political office in the Mishrefiyah neighborhood. The strike has reportedly killed at least six people, including a senior Hamas leader, and wounded about 11 others. The Israeli government has yet to claim responsibility for the strike. The incident comes amid Israel's ongoing ground offensive in the Gaza Strip and clashes with Hizballah along its northern border with Lebanon.
Heightened security and disruptions to transport and business are likely in the area over the coming hours as firefighting operations continue.
Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear. Plan for localized disruptions and seek alternative routes to circumvent the impacted location. Heed all official directives. Seek alternative routes and allow additional time to reach destinations if operating in the impacted area.
