28 Sep 2024 | 08:21 AM UTC
Lebanon: Israel confirms Lebanese Hizballah (LH) leader killed in earlier airstrike on LH headquarters in Beirut Sept. 27-28 /update 3
Lebanese Hizballah (LH) leader killed in earlier Israeli airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon, Sept. 27-28; risk of conflict escalation grows.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that Hassan Nasrallah, Lebanese Hizballah (LH) leader, was killed during airstrikes against LH headquarters in Beirut's Dahieh neighborhood on Sept. 27-28. The IDF also stated that several other senior LH commanders were killed, including Ali Karaki, commander of the Southern Front. Lebanese authorities have confirmed that at least six individuals were killed and 91 injured in the Sept. 27-28 strikes.
Increased security, transport, and business disruptions are likely in the affected area over the coming hours. Further cross-border violence is likely in the short term. Demonstrations are possible.
Avoid the impacted areas until authorities give the all-clear. Seek alternative routes and allow additional travel time to nearby destinations. Heed instructions from authorities. In light of recent regional tensions, consider avoiding nonessential travel to Lebanon, particularly the border region shared with Israel, until the situation stabilizes. Consider departing Lebanon via commercial means while these are available. Note that commercial options in Lebanon may become increasingly limited if the security environment deteriorates. Avoid any demonstrations that materialize.
The latest Israeli strike comes amid the ongoing cross-border violence between the IDF and LH and Hamas militants. The IDF's objective is to deter the militants from further attacks against Israel and to force them to withdraw from areas near the country's border with Lebanon.
