24 Sep 2024 | 01:34 PM UTC
Lebanon: Israeli airstrike against a senior Lebanese Hizballah commander in Beirut, Sept. 24 /update 1
Israeli airstrike targeting senior Lebanese Hizballah commander kills at least six in Ghobeiry area of Beirut, Lebanon, Sept. 24.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed it launched an airstrike, which reportedly targeted a senior Lebanese Hizballah (LH) commander in the Ghobeiry area in southern Beirut on Sept. 24. Initial reports indicated that the head of LH's missile unit was the initial target. The Lebanese authorities confirmed that at least six people have been killed and more than 15 wounded; casualty figures are likely to rise in the coming hours as emergency services continue their search and rescue operations.
Over the coming hours, the affected areas will likely experience increased security and, transport and business disruptions. Further cross-border violence is likely in the short term.
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.
The latest Israeli strike comes amid the ongoing cross-border violence between the IDF and Lebanese Hizballah (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.
